Genesis 28:21

So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְשַׁבְתִּ֥י

H7725

So that I come again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

בְשָׁל֖וֹם

H7965

in peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

house

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

אָבִ֑י

to my father's

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

וְהָיָ֧ה

H1961

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

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

then shall the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לִ֖י

לֵֽאלֹהִֽים׃

H430

be my 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

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of peace reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 peace in this particular way.

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?
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 peace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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