Genesis 24:49

Authorized King James Version

And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְ֠עַתָּה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אִם

H518

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

יֶשְׁכֶ֨ם

H3426

And now if ye will

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

עֹשִׂ֜ים

H6213

deal

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

חֶ֧סֶד

H2617

kindly

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וֶֽאֱמֶ֛ת

H571

and truly

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

אֶת

H854

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

אֲדֹנִ֖י

H113

with my master

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

הַגִּ֣ידוּ

H5046

me and if not tell

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

#10

לִ֑י

#11

וְאִם

H518

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

#12

לֹ֕א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

הַגִּ֣ידוּ

H5046

me and if not tell

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

#14

לִ֔י

#15

וְאֶפְנֶ֥ה

H6437

me that I may turn

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

#16

עַל

H5921

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

#17

יָמִ֖ין

H3225

to the right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

#18

א֥וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#19

עַל

H5921

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

#20

שְׂמֹֽאל׃

H8040

to the left

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline