Genesis 30:6

Authorized King James Version

And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

רָחֵל֙

H7354

And Rachel

rachel, a wife of jacob

דָּנַ֣נִּי

H1777

hath judged

to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)

אֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְגַם֙

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

שָׁמַ֣ע

H8085

me and hath also heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּקֹלִ֔י

H6963

my voice

a voice or sound

וַיִּתֶּן

H5414

and hath given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִ֖י

#10

בֵּ֑ן

H1121

me 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

#11

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

כֵּ֛ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#13

קָֽרְאָ֥ה

H7121

therefore called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#14

שְׁמ֖וֹ

H8034

she his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#15

דָּֽן׃

H1835

Dan

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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