Genesis 23:10

Authorized King James Version

And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis

עֶפְר֨וֹן

H6085

And Ephron

ephron, the name of a canaanite and of two places in palestine

יֹשֵׁ֖ב

H3427

dwelt

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

בְּת֣וֹךְ

H8432

among

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

בְנֵי

H1121

of the 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

חֵ֔ת

H2845

of Heth

cheth, an indigenous canaanite

וַיַּעַן֩

H6030

answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

עֶפְר֨וֹן

H6085

And Ephron

ephron, the name of a canaanite and of two places in palestine

הַֽחִתִּ֤י

H2850

the Hittite

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

אֶת

H853

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

#10

אַבְרָהָם֙

H85

Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

#11

בְּאָזְנֵ֣י

H241

in the audience

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

#12

בְנֵי

H1121

of the 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

#13

חֵ֔ת

H2845

of Heth

cheth, an indigenous canaanite

#14

לְכֹ֛ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#15

בָּאֵ֥י

H935

even of all that went in

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#16

שַֽׁעַר

H8179

at the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#17

עִיר֖וֹ

H5892

of his city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#18

לֵאמֹֽר׃

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. 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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
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?

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