Genesis 26:24

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּרָ֨א

H7200

appeared

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֵלָ֤יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָה֙

H3068

And the LORD

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

בַּלַּ֣יְלָה

H3915

unto him the same night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

הַה֔וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

אָֽנֹכִ֕י

H595

אֱלֹהֵ֖י

H430

I am the God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אַבְרָהָ֥ם

H85

Abraham's

abraham, the later name of abram

#10

אָבִ֑יךָ

thy father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#11

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#12

תִּירָא֙

H3372

fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#13

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#14

אִתְּךָ֣

H854

not for I am with

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#15

אָנֹ֔כִי

H595

#16

וּבֵֽרַכְתִּ֙יךָ֙

H1288

thee and will bless

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

#17

וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֣י

H7235

thee and multiply

to increase (in whatever respect)

#18

אֶֽת

H853

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

#19

זַרְעֲךָ֔

H2233

thy seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

#20

בַּֽעֲב֖וּר

H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

#21

אַבְרָהָ֥ם

H85

Abraham's

abraham, the later name of abram

#22

עַבְדִּֽי׃

H5650

for my servant

a servant

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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