Genesis 21:23

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֗ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הִשָּׁ֨בְעָה

H7650

Now therefore swear

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לִּ֤י

בֵֽאלֹהִים֙

H430

by 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

הֵ֔נָּה

H2008

unto me here

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּשְׁקֹ֣ר

H8266

that thou wilt not deal falsely

to cheat, i.e., be untrue (usually in words)

לִ֔י

וּלְנִינִ֖י

H5209

with me nor with my son

progeny

#10

וּלְנֶכְדִּ֑י

H5220

nor with my son's son

offspring

#11

כַּחֶ֜סֶד

H2617

but according to the kindness

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

#12

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה

H6213

that I have done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#14

עִמְּךָ֙

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#15

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה

H6213

that I have done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#16

עִמָּדִ֔י

H5978

along with

#17

וְעִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#18

הָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

unto me and to the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#19

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#20

גַּ֥רְתָּה

H1481

wherein thou hast sojourned

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

#21

בָּֽהּ׃

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the divine love theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from covenant faithfulness to sacrificial love demonstrated in Christ, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of divine love, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology proper and the doctrine of God?

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