Genesis 27:38

Authorized King James Version

And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
עֵשָׂ֛ו
And Esau
esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
אָבִ֑י
H1
me even me also O my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
הַֽבְרָכָ֨ה
blessing
benediction; by implication prosperity
#6
אַחַ֤ת
Hast thou but one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#7
הִֽוא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#8
לְךָ֙
H0
#9
אָבִ֑י
H1
me even me also O my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#10
בָּרֲכֵ֥נִי
bless
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
#11
גַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#12
אָ֖נִי
i
#13
אָבִ֑י
H1
me even me also O my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#14
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א
lifted up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#15
עֵשָׂ֛ו
And Esau
esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity
#16
קֹל֖וֹ
his voice
a voice or sound
#17
וַיֵּֽבְךְּ׃
and wept
to weep; generally to bemoan

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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