Genesis 23:8

Authorized King James Version

And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר

H1696

And he communed

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אִתָּ֖ם

H854

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר

H559

with them saying

to say (used with great latitude)

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֵ֣שׁ

H3426

If it be

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

אֶֽת

H853

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

נַפְשְׁכֶ֗ם

H5315

your mind

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

לִקְבֹּ֤ר

H6912

that I should bury

to inter

אֶת

H853

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

#10

מֵתִי֙

H4191

my dead

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#11

מִלְּפָנַ֔י

H6440

out of my sight

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#12

שְׁמָע֕וּנִי

H8085

hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#13

וּפִגְעוּ

H6293

me and intreat

to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity

#14

לִ֖י

#15

בְּעֶפְר֥וֹן

H6085

for me to Ephron

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

#16

בֶּן

H1121

the 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

#17

צֹֽחַר׃

H6714

of Zohar

tsochar, the name of a hittite and of an israelite

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

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?
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?
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?

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