Genesis 30:25

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֕י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
יָֽלְדָ֥ה
had born
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#4
רָחֵ֖ל
And it came to pass when Rachel
rachel, a wife of jacob
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
יוֹסֵ֑ף
Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#7
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
יַֽעֲקֹב֙
that Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
לָבָ֔ן
unto Laban
laban, a place in the desert
#11
שַׁלְּחֵ֙נִי֙
Send me away
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#12
וְאֵ֣לְכָ֔ה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#13
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
מְקוֹמִ֖י
unto mine own place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#15
וּלְאַרְצִֽי׃
and to my country
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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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