Genesis 27:32

Authorized King James Version

And Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy firstborn Esau.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
ל֛וֹ
H0
#3
יִצְחָ֥ק
And Isaac
jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham
#4
אָבִ֖יו
H1
his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
מִי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#6
אָ֑תָּה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#7
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
אֲנִ֛י
i
#9
בִּנְךָ֥
I am thy 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
#10
בְכֹֽרְךָ֖
thy firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#11
עֵשָֽׂו׃
Esau
esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

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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