Genesis 22:20

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she hath also born children unto thy brother Nahor;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
אַֽחֲרֵי֙
And it came to pass after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#3
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
these things
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
הָאֵ֔לֶּה
these or those
#5
וַיֻּגַּ֥ד
that it was told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#6
לְאַבְרָהָ֖ם
H85
Abraham
abraham, the later name of abram
#7
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
הִ֠נֵּה
lo!
#9
יָֽלְדָ֨ה
she hath also born
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#10
מִלְכָּ֥ה
Behold Milcah
milcah, the name of a hebrewess and of an israelite
#11
גַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#12
הִ֛וא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#13
בָּנִ֖ים
children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#14
לְנָח֥וֹר
Nahor
nachor, the name of the grandfather and a brother of abraham
#15
אָחִֽיךָ׃
unto thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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

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