Genesis 30:13

Authorized King James Version

And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לֵאָ֔ה
And Leah
leah, a wife of jacob
#3
בְּאָשְׁרִ֕י
Happy am I
happiness
#4
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
אִשְּׁר֖וּנִי
will call me blessed
to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper
#6
בָּנ֑וֹת
for the daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#7
וַתִּקְרָ֥א
and she called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
שְׁמ֖וֹ
his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#10
אָשֵֽׁר׃
Asher
asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine

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.

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