Genesis 20:12

Authorized King James Version

And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְגַם

H1571

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

אָמְנָ֗ה

H546

And yet indeed

adverb, surely

אֲחֹתִ֤י

H269

she is my sister

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

בַת

H1323

but not the daughter

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

אָבִי֙

of my father

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

הִ֔וא

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

אַ֖ךְ

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

בַת

H1323

but not the daughter

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

#10

אִמִּ֑י

H517

of my mother

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

#11

וַתְּהִי

H1961

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

#12

לִ֖י

#13

לְאִשָּֽׁה׃

H802

and she became my wife

a woman

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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 this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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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