Genesis 27:12

Authorized King James Version

My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אוּלַ֤י
if not; hence perhaps
#2
יְמֻשֵּׁ֙נִי֙
peradventure will feel
to feel of; by implication, to grope
#3
אָבִ֔י
H1
My father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#4
וְהָיִ֥יתִי
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
בְעֵינָ֖יו
me and I shall seem
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#6
כִּמְתַעְתֵּ֑עַ
to him as a deceiver
to cheat; by analogy, to maltreat
#7
וְהֵֽבֵאתִ֥י
and I shall bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
עָלַ֛י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
קְלָלָ֖ה
a curse
vilification
#10
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
בְרָכָֽה׃
upon me and not a blessing
benediction; by implication prosperity

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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