Genesis 24:42

Authorized King James Version

And I came this day unto the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָֽאָבֹ֥א

H935

And I came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַיּ֖וֹם

H3117

this day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעָ֑יִן

H5869

unto the well

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וָֽאֹמַ֗ר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

O LORD

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

אֱלֹהֵי֙

H430

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

אֲדֹנִ֣י

H113

of my master

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

אַבְרָהָ֔ם

H85

Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

#10

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#11

יֶשְׁךָ

H3426

if now thou do

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

#12

נָּא֙

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#13

מַצְלִ֣יחַ

H6743

prosper

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

#14

דַּרְכִּ֔י

H1870

my way

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

#15

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#16

אָֽנֹכִ֖י

H595

#17

הֹלֵ֥ךְ

H1980

which I go

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

#18

עָלֶֽיהָ׃

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 24 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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