Genesis 29:14

Authorized King James Version

And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לוֹ֙
H0
#3
לָבָ֔ן
And Laban
laban, a place in the desert
#4
אַ֛ךְ
to him Surely
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#5
עַצְמִ֥י
thou art my bone
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#6
וּבְשָׂרִ֖י
and my flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#7
אָ֑תָּה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#8
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
And he abode
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#9
עִמּ֖וֹ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#10
חֹ֥דֶשׁ
of a month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#11
יָמִֽים׃
with him the space
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 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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