Genesis 22:9

Authorized King James Version

And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֗אוּ
And they came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הַמָּקוֹם֮
to 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)
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
אָֽמַר
had told
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
ל֣וֹ
H0
#7
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֒
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
#8
וַיִּ֨בֶן
built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#9
שָׁ֤ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#10
אַבְרָהָם֙
H85
him of and Abraham
abraham, the later name of abram
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
an altar
an altar
#13
וַֽיַּעֲרֹ֖ךְ
in order
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
לָֽעֵצִֽים׃
the wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#16
וַֽיַּעֲקֹד֙
and bound
to tie with thongs
#17
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
יִצְחָ֣ק
Isaac
jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham
#19
בְּנ֔וֹ
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
#20
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם
and laid
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#21
אֹתוֹ֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#22
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#23
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
an altar
an altar
#24
מִמַּ֖עַל
upon
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#25
לָֽעֵצִֽים׃
the wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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