Genesis 24:22

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֗י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

כִּלּ֤וּ

H3615

had done

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

הַגְּמַלִּים֙

H1581

And it came to pass as the camels

a camel

לִשְׁתּ֔וֹת

H8354

drinking

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וַיִּקַּ֤ח

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הָאִישׁ֙

H376

that 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)

נֶ֣זֶם

H5141

earring

a nose-ring

זָהָ֖ב

H2091

a golden

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

#10

בֶּ֖קַע

H1235

of half a shekel

a section (half) of a shekel, i.e., a beka (a weight and a coin)

#11

מִשְׁקָלָֽם׃

H4948

shekels weight

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

#12

וּשְׁנֵ֤י

H8147

and two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#13

צְמִידִים֙

H6781

bracelets

generally, a lid

#14

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#15

יָדֶ֔יהָ

H3027

for her hands

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

#16

עֲשָׂרָ֥ה

H6235

of ten

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

#17

זָהָ֖ב

H2091

a golden

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

#18

מִשְׁקָלָֽם׃

H4948

shekels weight

weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)

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

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?
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?
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?

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