Genesis 26:3

Authorized King James Version

Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;

Word-by-Word Analysis

גּ֚וּר

H1481

Sojourn

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

הָֽאֲרָצֹ֣ת

H776

countries

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַזֹּ֔את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְאֶֽהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עִמְּךָ֖

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וַאֲבָֽרְכֶ֑ךָּ

H1288

and I will be with 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

כִּֽי

H3588

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

לְךָ֣

וּֽלְזַרְעֲךָ֗

H2233

thee for unto thee and unto thy seed

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

#10

אֶתֵּן֙

H5414

I will give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

כָּל

H3605

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

#13

הָֽאֲרָצֹ֣ת

H776

countries

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#14

הָאֵ֔ל

H411

all these

these or those

#15

וַהֲקִֽמֹתִי֙

H6965

and I will perform

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#16

אֶת

H853

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

#17

הַשְּׁבֻעָ֔ה

H7621

the oath

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

#18

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#19

נִשְׁבַּ֖עְתִּי

H7650

which I sware

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

#20

לְאַבְרָהָ֥ם

H85

unto Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

#21

אָבִֽיךָ׃

thy father

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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 Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

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?
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 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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