Genesis 20:8

Authorized King James Version

Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם

H7925

rose early

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ

H40

Therefore Abimelech

abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites

בַּבֹּ֗קֶר

H1242

in the morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וַיִּקְרָא֙

H7121

and called

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

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲבָדָ֔יו

H5650

all his servants

a servant

וַיְדַבֵּ֛ר

H1696

and told

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

הַדְּבָרִ֥ים

H1697

all these things

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

#11

הָאֵ֖לֶּה

H428

these or those

#12

בְּאָזְנֵיהֶ֑ם

H241

in their ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

#13

וַיִּֽירְא֥וּ

H3372

afraid

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#14

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים

H376

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)

#15

מְאֹֽד׃

H3966

were sore

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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 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?

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