Genesis 24:48

Authorized King James Version

And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָֽאֶקֹּ֥ד
And I bowed down my head
to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference
#2
וָֽאֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה
and worshipped
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#3
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
וָֽאֲבָרֵ֗ךְ
and 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
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
אֱלֹהֵי֙
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
#8
אֲדֹנִ֖י
my master's
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#9
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
H85
Abraham
abraham, the later name of abram
#10
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
הִנְחַ֙נִי֙
which had led me
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
#12
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#13
אֱמֶ֔ת
in the right
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#14
לָקַ֛חַת
to take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
בַּת
daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#17
אֲחִ֥י
brother's
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#18
אֲדֹנִ֖י
my master's
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#19
לִבְנֽוֹ׃
unto his 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

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

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

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