Genesis 24:61

Authorized King James Version

And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתָּ֨קָם
arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
רִבְקָ֖ה
And Rebekah
ribkah, the wife of isaac
#3
וְנַֽעֲרֹתֶ֗יהָ
and her damsels
a girl (from infancy to adolescence)
#4
וַתִּרְכַּ֙בְנָה֙
and they rode
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
הַגְּמַלִּ֔ים
upon the camels
a camel
#7
וַתֵּלַ֖כְנָה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#9
הָאִ֑ישׁ
the man
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)
#10
וַיִּקַּ֥ח
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#11
הָעֶ֛בֶד
and the servant
a servant
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
רִבְקָ֖ה
And Rebekah
ribkah, the wife of isaac
#14
וַיֵּלַֽךְ׃
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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

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