Genesis 21:19

Authorized King James Version

And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּפְקַ֤ח

H6491

opened

to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant

אֱלֹהִים֙

H430

And God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶת

H853

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

עֵינֶ֔יהָ

H5869

her eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וַתֵּ֖רֶא

H7200

and she saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְּאֵ֣ר

H875

a well

a pit; especially a well

מַ֔יִם

H4325

of water

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

וַתֵּ֜לֶךְ

H1980

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

וַתְּמַלֵּ֤א

H4390

and filled

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

הַחֵ֙מֶת֙

H2573

the bottle

a skin bottle (as tied up)

#12

מַ֔יִם

H4325

of water

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

#13

וַתַּ֖שְׁקְ

H8248

and gave

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

הַנָּֽעַר׃

H5288

the lad

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

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 sovereignty 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

What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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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