Genesis 27:29

Authorized King James Version

Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יַֽעַבְד֣וּךָ
serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#2
עַמִּ֗ים
Let people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
וְיִשְׁתַּחֲוּ֥וּ
bow down
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#4
לְךָ֙
H0
#5
לְאֻמִּ֔ים
thee and nations
a community
#6
הֱוֵ֤ה
to thee be
to be (in the sense of existence)
#7
גְבִיר֙
lord
a master
#8
לְאַחֶ֔יךָ
over thy brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#9
וְיִשְׁתַּחֲוּ֥וּ
bow down
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#10
לְךָ֖
H0
#11
בְּנֵ֣י
sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
אִמֶּ֑ךָ
and let thy mother's
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#13
אָר֔וּר
be every one that curseth
to execrate
#14
אָר֔וּר
be every one that curseth
to execrate
#15
בָּרֽוּךְ׃
be he that blesseth
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
#16
בָּרֽוּךְ׃
be he that blesseth
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

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 sovereignty 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 literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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