Genesis 24:32

Authorized King James Version

And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that were with him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֤א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
הָאִישׁ֙
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)
#3
הַבַּ֔יְתָה
into the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#4
וַיְפַתַּ֖ח
and he ungirded
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#5
לַגְּמַלִּ֔ים
for the camels
a camel
#6
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
and gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
תֶּ֤בֶן
straw
properly, material, i.e., (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain (as chopped in threshing and used for fodder)
#8
וּמִסְפּוֹא֙
and provender
fodder
#9
לַגְּמַלִּ֔ים
for the camels
a camel
#10
וּמַ֙יִם֙
and water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#11
לִרְחֹ֣ץ
to wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#12
וְרַגְלֵ֥י
feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#13
וְרַגְלֵ֥י
feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#14
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים
and the men's
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#15
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
אִתּֽוֹ׃
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

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

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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