Genesis 22:7

Authorized King James Version

And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יִצְחָ֜ק
And Isaac
jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
אַבְרָהָ֤ם
H85
unto Abraham
abraham, the later name of abram
#5
אָבִ֔י
H1
My father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#6
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
אָבִ֔י
H1
My father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#8
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
הִנֶּ֣נִּֽי
lo!
#10
בְנִ֑י
Here am I my 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
#11
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
הִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#13
הָאֵשׁ֙
Behold the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#14
וְהָ֣עֵצִ֔ים
and the wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#15
וְאַיֵּ֥ה
where?
#16
הַשֶּׂ֖ה
but where is the lamb
a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat
#17
לְעֹלָֽה׃
for a burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 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

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