Genesis 20:10

Authorized King James Version

And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ
H40
And Abimelech
abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
אַבְרָהָ֑ם
H85
unto Abraham
abraham, the later name of abram
#5
מָ֣ה
What
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#6
רָאִ֔יתָ
sawest thou
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#7
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
עָשִׂ֖יתָ
that thou hast done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הַדָּבָ֥ר
this thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#11
הַזֶּֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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