Genesis 28:17

Authorized King James Version

And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נּוֹרָ֖א

H3372

And he was afraid

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וַיֹּאמַ֔ר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

נּוֹרָ֖א

H3372

And he was afraid

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

הַמָּק֣וֹם

H4725

is this place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּ֑ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֵ֣ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

זֶ֗ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

כִּ֚י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#11

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

this is none other but the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#12

אֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#13

וְזֶ֖ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#14

שַׁ֥עַר

H8179

and this is the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#15

הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline