Genesis 24:10

Authorized King James Version

And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּ֣ח
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
הָ֠עֶבֶד
And the servant
a servant
#3
עֲשָׂרָ֨ה
ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
#4
מִגְּמַלֵּ֤י
camels
a camel
#5
מִגְּמַלֵּ֤י
camels
a camel
#6
אֲדֹנָ֖יו
of his master
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#7
וַיֵּ֔לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
ט֥וּב
for all the goods
good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare
#10
אֲדֹנָ֖יו
of his master
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#11
בְּיָד֑וֹ
were in his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#12
וַיָּ֗קָם
and he arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#13
וַיֵּ֛לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
אֲרַ֥ם
H0
#16
נַֽהֲרַ֖יִם
to Mesopotamia
aram of (the) two rivers (euphrates and tigris) or mesopotamia
#17
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
עִ֥יר
unto the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#19
נָחֽוֹר׃
of Nahor
nachor, the name of the grandfather and a brother of abraham

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

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

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