Genesis 24:13

Authorized King James Version

Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּ֛ה
lo!
#2
אָֽנֹכִ֥י
i
#3
נִצָּ֖ב
Behold I stand
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
עֵ֣ין
here by the well
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#6
מָֽיִם׃
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#7
וּבְנוֹת֙
and the daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#8
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#9
הָעִ֔יר
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#10
יֹֽצְאֹ֖ת
come out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#11
לִשְׁאֹ֥ב
to draw
to bale up water
#12
מָֽיִם׃
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

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 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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