Genesis 24:54

Authorized King James Version

And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried all night; and they rose up in the morning, and he said, Send me away unto my master.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּֽאכְל֣וּ

H398

And they did eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַיִּשְׁתּ֗וּ

H8354

and drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

ה֛וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְהָֽאֲנָשִׁ֥ים

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

עִמּ֖וֹ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וַיָּלִ֑ינוּ

H3885

that were with him and tarried all night

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

וַיָּק֣וּמוּ

H6965

and they rose up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

בַבֹּ֔קֶר

H1242

in the morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

#10

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר

H559

and he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

שַׁלְּחֻ֥נִי

H7971

Send me away

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

#12

לַֽאדֹנִֽי׃

H113

unto my master

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

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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