Genesis 22:3

Authorized King James Version

And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם

H7925

rose up early

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

אַבְרָהָ֜ם

H85

And Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

בַּבֹּ֗קֶר

H1242

in the morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וַֽיַּחֲבֹשׁ֙

H2280

and saddled

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

אֶת

H853

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

חֲמֹר֔וֹ

H2543

his ass

a male ass (from its dun red)

וַיִּקַּ֞ח

H3947

and took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

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

שְׁנֵ֤י

H8147

two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#10

נְעָרָיו֙

H5288

of his young men

(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

#11

אִתּ֔וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#12

וְאֵ֖ת

H853

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

#13

יִצְחָ֣ק

H3327

with him and Isaac

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

#14

בְּנ֑וֹ

H1121

his son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#15

וַיְבַקַּע֙

H1234

and clave

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

#16

עֲצֵ֣י

H6086

the wood

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#17

עֹלָ֔ה

H5930

for the burnt offering

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

#18

וַיָּ֣קָם

H6965

and rose up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#19

וַיֵּ֔לֶךְ

H1980

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

#20

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#21

הַמָּק֖וֹם

H4725

unto the place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#22

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#23

אָֽמַר

H559

had told

to say (used with great latitude)

#24

ל֥וֹ

#25

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

of which 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

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?
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?

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