Genesis 24:38

Authorized King James Version

But thou shalt go unto my father's house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִם
But
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
לֹ֧א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
בֵּית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
אָבִ֛י
H1
unto my father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#6
תֵּלֵ֖ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
מִשְׁפַּחְתִּ֑י
and to my kindred
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#9
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֥
and take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#10
אִשָּׁ֖ה
a wife
a woman
#11
לִבְנִֽי׃
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

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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