Genesis 24:63

Authorized King James Version

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּצֵ֥א
went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
יִצְחָ֛ק
And Isaac
jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham
#3
לָשׂ֥וּחַ
to meditate
to muse pensively
#4
בַּשָּׂדֶ֖ה
in the field
a field (as flat)
#5
לִפְנ֣וֹת
at
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#6
עָ֑רֶב
the eventide
dusk
#7
וַיִּשָּׂ֤א
and he lifted up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#8
עֵינָיו֙
his eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#9
וַיַּ֔רְא
and saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#10
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#11
גְמַלִּ֖ים
and behold the camels
a camel
#12
בָּאִֽים׃
were coming
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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

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