Genesis 24:40

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto me, The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father's house:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֑י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֞ה

H3068

unto me The LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

הִתְהַלַּ֣כְתִּי

H1980

whom I walk

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְפָנָ֗יו

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יִשְׁלַ֨ח

H7971

will send

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מַלְאָכ֤וֹ

H4397

his angel

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

אִתָּךְ֙

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#10

וְהִצְלִ֣יחַ

H6743

with thee and prosper

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

#11

דַּרְכֶּ֔ךָ

H1870

thy way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#12

וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֤

H3947

and thou shalt take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#13

אִשָּׁה֙

H802

a wife

a woman

#14

לִבְנִ֔י

H1121

for 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

#15

מִמִּשְׁפַּחְתִּ֖י

H4940

of 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

#16

וּמִבֵּ֥ית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#17

אָבִֽי׃

and of my father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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