Genesis 3:12

Authorized King James Version

And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הָֽאָדָ֑ם
And the man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
הָֽאִשָּׁה֙
The woman
a woman
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
נָֽתְנָה
gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
עִמָּדִ֔י
to be with me
along with
#7
הִ֛וא
she
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#8
נָֽתְנָה
gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
לִּ֥י
H0
#10
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#11
הָעֵ֖ץ
me of the tree
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#12
וָאֹכֵֽל׃
and I did eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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