Genesis 29:23

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֣י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בָעֶ֔רֶב
And it came to pass in the evening
dusk
#3
וַיִּקַּח֙
that he took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
לֵאָ֣ה
Leah
leah, a wife of jacob
#6
בִתּ֔וֹ
his daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#7
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
אֹתָ֖הּ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אֵלָ֑יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
וַיָּבֹ֖א
and brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
אֵלֶֽיהָ׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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