Genesis 19:8

Authorized King James Version

Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הִנֵּה

H2009

lo!

נָ֨א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

לִ֜י

שְׁתֵּ֣י

H8147

Behold now I have two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בָנ֗וֹת

H1323

daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדְעוּ֙

H3045

which have not known

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לָֽאֲנָשִׁ֤ים

H376

man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#10

אוֹצִֽיאָה

H3318

let me I pray you bring them out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#11

נָּ֤א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#12

אֶתְהֶן֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

תַּֽעֲשׂ֣וּ

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

לָהֶ֔ן

#16

כַּטּ֖וֹב

H2896

ye to them as is good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#17

בְּעֵֽינֵיכֶ֑ם

H5869

in your eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#18

רַ֠ק

H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

#19

לָֽאֲנָשִׁ֤ים

H376

man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#20

הָאֵל֙

H411

only unto these

these or those

#21

אַל

H408

nothing

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#22

תַּֽעֲשׂ֣וּ

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#23

דָבָ֔ר

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#24

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#25

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#26

כֵּ֥ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#27

בָּ֖אוּ

H935

for therefore came

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

#28

בְּצֵ֥ל

H6738

they under the shadow

shade, whether literal or figurative

#29

קֹֽרָתִֽי׃

H6982

of my roof

a rafter (forming trenches as it were); by implication, a roof

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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