Genesis 24:64

Authorized King James Version

And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּשָּׂ֤א
lifted up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
רִבְקָה֙
And Rebekah
ribkah, the wife of isaac
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
עֵינֶ֔יהָ
her eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#5
וַתֵּ֖רֶא
and when she saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
יִצְחָ֑ק
Isaac
jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham
#8
וַתִּפֹּ֖ל
she lighted
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#9
מֵעַ֥ל
off
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
הַגָּמָֽל׃
the camel
a camel

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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