Genesis 27:13

Authorized King James Version

And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לוֹ֙
H0
#3
אִמּ֔וֹ
And his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#4
עָלַ֥י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
קִלְלָֽתְךָ֖
unto him Upon me be thy curse
vilification
#6
בְּנִ֑י
my son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
אַ֛ךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#8
שְׁמַ֥ע
only obey
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#9
בְּקֹלִ֖י
my voice
a voice or sound
#10
וְלֵ֥ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
קַֽח
fetch
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#12
לִֽי׃
H0

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 revelation 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 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

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