Genesis 19:33

Authorized King James Version

And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתַּשְׁקֶ֧יןָ
And they made
to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
אָבִ֔יהָ
H1
their father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#4
יַ֖יִן
wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#5
בַּלַּ֣יְלָה
that night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#6
ה֑וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
וַתָּבֹ֤א
went in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
הַבְּכִירָה֙
and the firstborn
the eldest daughter
#9
בְּשִׁכְבָ֖הּ
and lay
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#10
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#11
אָבִ֔יהָ
H1
their father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#12
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
יָדַ֥ע
and he perceived
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#14
בְּשִׁכְבָ֖הּ
and lay
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#15
וּבְקוּׄמָֽהּ׃
nor when she arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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