Genesis 25:18

Authorized King James Version

And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁכְּנ֨וּ

H7931

And they dwelt

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

מֵֽחֲוִילָ֜ה

H2341

from Havilah

chavilah, the name of two or three eastern regions; also perhaps of two men

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שׁ֗וּר

H7793

unto Shur

shur, a region of the desert

אֲשֶׁר֙

H834

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

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵ֥י

H6440

in the presence

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מִצְרַ֔יִם

H4714

Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בֹּֽאֲכָ֖ה

H935

as thou goest

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#10

אַשּׁ֑וּרָה

H804

toward Assyria

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

#11

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

פְּנֵ֥י

H6440

in the presence

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#13

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

אֶחָ֖יו

H251

of all his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#15

נָפָֽל׃

H5307

and he died

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. 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

How does the creation and providence 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 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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