Genesis 21:30

Authorized King James Version

And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

כִּ֚י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֶת

H853

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

שֶׁ֣בַע

H7651

For these seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

כְּבָשֹׂ֔ת

H3535

ewe lambs

a ewe

תִּקַּ֖ח

H3947

shalt thou take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִיָּדִ֑י

H3027

of my hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בַּֽעֲבוּר֙

H5668

that

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

תִּֽהְיֶה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#10

לִּ֣י

#11

לְעֵדָ֔ה

H5713

they may be a witness

testimony

#12

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

חָפַ֖רְתִּי

H2658

unto me that I have digged

properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

הַבְּאֵ֥ר

H875

this well

a pit; especially a well

#16

הַזֹּֽאת׃

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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?
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 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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline