Genesis 21:14

Authorized King James Version

And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer-sheba.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֣ם

H7925

rose up early

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

אַבְרָהָ֣ם׀

H85

And Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

בַּבֹּ֡קֶר

H1242

in the morning

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

וַיִּֽקַּֽח

H3947

and took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לֶחֶם֩

H3899

bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וְחֵ֨מַת

H2573

and a bottle

a skin bottle (as tied up)

מַ֜יִם

H4325

of water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וַיִּתֵּ֣ן

H5414

and gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

הָ֠גָר

H1904

it unto Hagar

hagar, the mother of ishmael

#11

שָׂ֧ם

H7760

putting

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#12

עַל

H5921

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

#13

שִׁכְמָ֛הּ

H7926

it on her shoulder

the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill

#14

וְאֶת

H853

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

#15

הַיֶּ֖לֶד

H3206

and the child

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

#16

וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֶ֑הָ

H7971

and sent her away

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#17

וַתֵּ֣לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#18

וַתֵּ֔תַע

H8582

and wandered

to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both

#19

בְּמִדְבַּ֖ר

H4057

in the wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

#20

בְּאֵ֥ר

#21

שָֽׁבַע׃

H884

of Beersheba

beer-sheba, a place in palestine

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

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 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?
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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