Genesis 27:2

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הִנֵּה
lo!
#3
נָ֖א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#4
זָקַ֑נְתִּי
Behold now I am old
to be old
#5
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יָדַ֖עְתִּי
I know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#7
י֥וֹם
not the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#8
מוֹתִֽי׃
of my death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

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 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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