Genesis 24:8

Authorized King James Version

And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם

H518

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

לֹ֨א

H3808

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

תֹאבֶ֤ה

H14

will not be willing

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

הָֽאִשָּׁה֙

H802

And if the woman

a woman

לָלֶ֣כֶת

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַֽחֲרֶ֔יךָ

H310

thee

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְנִקִּ֕יתָ

H5352

then thou shalt be clear

to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated

מִשְּׁבֻֽעָתִ֖י

H7621

from this my oath

properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath

זֹ֑את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#10

רַ֣ק

H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

#11

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

בְּנִ֔י

H1121

not my son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#13

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#14

תָשֵׁ֖ב

H7725

only bring

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#15

שָֽׁמָּה׃

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. 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 Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 24 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

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