Genesis 28:22

Authorized King James Version

And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָאֶ֣בֶן

H68

And this stone

a stone

הַזֹּ֗את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שַׂ֙מְתִּי֙

H7760

which I have set

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

מַצֵּבָ֔ה

H4676

for a pillar

something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה

H1961

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

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

house

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

אֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

shall be God's

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

וְכֹל֙

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

תִּתֶּן

H5414

and of all that thou shalt give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#12

לִ֔י

#13

אֲעַשְּׂרֶ֥נּוּ

H6237

give the tenth

to tithe, i.e., to take or give a tenth

#14

אֲעַשְּׂרֶ֥נּוּ

H6237

give the tenth

to tithe, i.e., to take or give a tenth

#15

לָֽךְ׃

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty 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 careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty. 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

What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
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?

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