Genesis 24:35

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיהוָ֞ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
בֵּרַ֧ךְ
hath blessed
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אֲדֹנִ֛י
my master
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#5
מְאֹ֖ד
greatly
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#6
וַיִּגְדָּ֑ל
and he is become great
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#7
וַיִּתֶּן
and he hath given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#8
ל֞וֹ
H0
#9
צֹ֤אן
flocks
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#10
וּבָקָר֙
and herds
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#11
וְכֶ֣סֶף
and silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#12
וְזָהָ֔ב
and gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#13
וַֽעֲבָדִם֙
and menservants
a servant
#14
וּשְׁפָחֹ֔ת
and maidservants
a female slave (as a member of the household)
#15
וּגְמַלִּ֖ים
and camels
a camel
#16
וַֽחֲמֹרִֽים׃
and asses
a male ass (from its dun red)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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

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