Genesis 22:5

Authorized King James Version

And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אַבְרָהָ֜ם

H85

And Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְהַנַּ֔עַר

H5288

and I and the lad

(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

שְׁבוּ

H3427

Abide

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לָכֶ֥ם

פֹּה֙

H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

עִֽם

H5973

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

הַחֲמ֔וֹר

H2543

ye here with the ass

a male ass (from its dun red)

#10

וַֽאֲנִ֣י

H589

#11

וְהַנַּ֔עַר

H5288

and I and the lad

(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

#12

נֵֽלְכָ֖ה

H1980

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

#13

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#14

כֹּ֑ה

H3541

yonder

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

#15

וְנִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה

H7812

and worship

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#16

וְנָשׁ֥וּבָה

H7725

and come again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#17

אֲלֵיכֶֽם׃

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 22 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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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