Genesis 27:39

Authorized King James Version

And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֛עַן

H6030

answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

יִצְחָ֥ק

H3327

And Isaac

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

אָבִ֖יו

his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֑יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הִנֵּ֞ה

H2009

lo!

מִשְׁמַנֵּ֤י

H4924

shall be the fatness

fat, i.e., (literally and abstractly) fatness; but usually (figuratively and concretely) a rich dish, a fertile field, a robust man

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#10

מֽוֹשָׁבֶ֔ךָ

H4186

unto him Behold thy dwelling

a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

#11

וּמִטַּ֥ל

H2919

and of the dew

dew (as covering vegetation)

#12

הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#13

מֵעָֽל׃

H5920

from above

properly, the top; specifically, the highest (i.e., god); also (adverb) aloft, to jehovah

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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