Genesis 21:11

Authorized King James Version

And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֧רַע
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
#2
הַדָּבָ֛ר
And the thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
מְאֹ֖ד
was very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#4
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#5
אַבְרָהָ֑ם
H85
in Abraham's
abraham, the later name of abram
#6
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
אוֹדֹ֥ת
because
turnings (i.e., occasions); (adverb) on account of
#8
בְּנֽוֹ׃
of his 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

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

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