Genesis 24:3

Authorized King James Version

And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַשְׁבִּ֣יעֲךָ֔
H7650
And I will make thee swear
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#2
בַּֽיהוָה֙
H3068
by the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֖י
H430
and the God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#4
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
H8064
of heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#5
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֖י
H430
and the God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#6
הָאָ֑רֶץ
H776
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
תִקַּ֤ח
H3947
that thou shalt not take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#10
אִשָּׁה֙
H802
a wife
a woman
#11
לִבְנִ֔י
H1121
unto my son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
מִבְּנוֹת֙
H1323
of the daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#13
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י
H3669
of the Canaanites
a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c
#14
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
אָֽנֹכִ֖י
H595
i
#16
יוֹשֵׁ֥ב
H3427
whom I dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#17
בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ׃
H7130
among
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

Analysis

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

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