Genesis 26:22

Authorized King James Version

And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּעְתֵּ֣ק

H6275

And he removed

to remove (intransitive or transitive) figuratively, to grow old; specifically, to transcribe

מִשָּׁ֗ם

H8033

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

וַיַּחְפֹּר֙

H2658

from thence and digged

properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore

בְּאֵ֣ר

H875

well

a pit; especially a well

אַחֶ֔רֶת

H312

another

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

רָב֖וּ

H7378

and for that they strove

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

עָלֶ֑יהָ

H5921

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

וַיִּקְרָ֤א

H7121

not and he called

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

#10

שְׁמָהּ֙

H8034

the name of it

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

#11

רְחֹב֔וֹת

H7344

Rehoboth

rechoboth, a place in assyria and one in palestine

#12

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

and he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#13

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

עַתָּ֞ה

H6258

For now

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#15

הִרְחִ֧יב

H7337

hath made room

to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)

#16

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#17

לָ֖נוּ

#18

וּפָרִ֥ינוּ

H6509

for us and we shall be fruitful

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

#19

בָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 sovereignty. 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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