Genesis 21:26

Authorized King James Version

And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ

H40

And Abimelech

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

לֹ֥א

H3808

me neither

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדַ֔עְתִּי

H3045

I wot

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

מִ֥י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

עָשָׂ֖ה

H6213

not who hath done

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

אֶת

H853

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

הַדָּבָ֣ר

H1697

this thing

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

הַזֶּ֑ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#10

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#11

אַתָּ֞ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#12

לֹ֥א

H3808

me neither

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

הִגַּ֣דְתָּ

H5046

didst thou tell

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

#14

לִּ֗י

#15

וְגַ֧ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#16

אָֽנֹכִ֛י

H595

#17

לֹ֥א

H3808

me neither

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#18

שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי

H8085

yet heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#19

בִּלְתִּ֥י

H1115

I of it but

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

#20

הַיּֽוֹם׃

H3117

to day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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

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

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
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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