Genesis 24:21

And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָאִ֥ישׁ

H376

And the 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)

מִשְׁתָּאֵ֖ה

H7583

wondering

to stun, i.e., (intransitively) be astonished

לָ֑הּ

מַֽחֲרִ֕ישׁ

H2790

at her held his peace

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

לָדַ֗עַת

H3045

to wit

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

הַֽהִצְלִ֧יחַ

H6743

had made

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

whether the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

דַּרְכּ֖וֹ

H1870

his journey

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אִם

H518

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

#10

לֹֽא׃

H3808

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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

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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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