Genesis 19:38

Authorized King James Version

And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Ben-ammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהַצְּעִירָ֤ה

H6810

And the younger

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

גַם

H1571

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

הִוא֙

H1931

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

יָ֣לְדָה

H3205

she also bare

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

בְנֵֽי

H1121

a son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַתִּקְרָ֥א

H7121

and called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמ֖וֹ

H8034

his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בֶּן

עַמִּ֑י

H1151

Benammi

ben-ammi, a son of lot

#10

ה֛וּא

H1931

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

#11

אֲבִ֥י

the same is the father

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

#12

בְנֵֽי

H1121

a son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#13

עַמּ֖וֹן

H5983

of Ammon

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

#14

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#15

הַיּֽוֹם׃

H3117

unto this day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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