Genesis 25:26

Authorized King James Version

And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַֽחֲרֵי

H310

And after

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

כֵ֞ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יָצָ֣א

H3318

out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אָחִ֗יו

H251

his brother

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

וְיָד֤וֹ

H3027

and his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֹחֶ֙זֶת֙

H270

took hold

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

בַּֽעֲקֵ֣ב

H6119

heel

a heel (as protuberant); hence, a track; figuratively, the rear (of an army)

עֵשָׂ֔ו

H6215

on Esau's

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

וַיִּקְרָ֥א

H7121

was called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#10

שְׁמ֖וֹ

H8034

and his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#11

יַֽעֲקֹ֑ב

H3290

Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#12

וְיִצְחָ֛ק

H3327

and Isaac

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

#13

בֶּן

H1121

old

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

#14

שִׁשִּׁ֥ים

H8346

was threescore

sixty

#15

שָׁנָ֖ה

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

#16

בְּלֶ֥דֶת

H3205

when she bare

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

#17

אֹתָֽם׃

H853

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

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

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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