Genesis 29:34

Authorized King James Version

And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתַּ֣הַר
And she conceived again
to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)
#2
עוֹד֮
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#3
יָלַ֥דְתִּי
and bare
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#4
בָנִ֑ים
a son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
וַתֹּ֗אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
עַתָּ֤ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#7
הַפַּ֙עַם֙
Now this time
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#8
יִלָּוֶ֤ה
be joined
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
#9
אִישִׁי֙
will my husband
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#10
אֵלַ֔י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
יָלַ֥דְתִּי
and bare
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#13
ל֖וֹ
H0
#14
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
him three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#15
בָנִ֑ים
a son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#16
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
כֵּ֥ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#18
קָרָֽא
called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#19
שְׁמ֖וֹ
therefore was his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#20
לֵוִֽי׃
Levi
levi, a son of jacob

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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