Genesis 19:34

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִֽמָּחֳרָ֔ת

H4283

And it came to pass on the morrow

the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow

וַתֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

הַבְּכִירָה֙

H1067

that the firstborn

the eldest daughter

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַצְּעִירָ֔ה

H6810

unto the younger

little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble

הֵן

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

שִׁכְבִ֣י

H7901

Behold I lay

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

אֶ֖מֶשׁ

H570

yesternight

yesterday or last night

#10

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#11

מֵֽאָבִ֖ינוּ

of our father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#12

נַשְׁקֶ֨נּוּ

H8248

let us make him drink

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

#13

יַ֜יִן

H3196

wine

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

#14

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#15

הַלַּ֗יְלָה

H3915

this night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

#16

וּבֹ֙אִי֙

H935

also and go thou in

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#17

שִׁכְבִ֣י

H7901

Behold I lay

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

#18

עִמּ֔וֹ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#19

וּנְחַיֶּ֥ה

H2421

with him that we may preserve

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

#20

מֵֽאָבִ֖ינוּ

of our father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#21

זָֽרַע׃

H2233

seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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