Genesis 24:16

Authorized King James Version

And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהַֽנַּעֲרָ֗

H5291

And the damsel

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

טֹבַ֤ת

H2896

fair

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

מַרְאֶה֙

H4758

to look upon

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

מְאֹ֔ד

H3966

was very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

בְּתוּלָ֕ה

H1330

a virgin

a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state

וְאִ֖ישׁ

H376

neither had any man

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)

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְדָעָ֑הּ

H3045

known

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וַתֵּ֣רֶד

H3381

her and she went down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#10

הָעַ֔יְנָה

H5869

to the well

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#11

וַתְּמַלֵּ֥א

H4390

and filled

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#12

כַדָּ֖הּ

H3537

her pitcher

properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes

#13

וַתָּֽעַל׃

H5927

and came up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 24 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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