Genesis 31:12

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׂא

H5375

Lift up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

נָ֨א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

עֵינֶ֤יךָ

H5869

now thine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

רָאִ֔יתִי

H7200

and see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽעַתֻּדִים֙

H6260

all the rams

prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people

הָֽעֹלִ֣ים

H5927

which leap

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל

H5921

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

#10

הַצֹּ֔אן

H6629

upon the cattle

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#11

עֲקֻדִּ֥ים

H6124

are ringstraked

striped (with bands)

#12

נְקֻדִּ֖ים

H5348

speckled

spotted

#13

וּבְרֻדִּ֑ים

H1261

and grisled

spotted (as if with hail)

#14

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#15

רָאִ֔יתִי

H7200

and see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#16

אֵ֛ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#19

לָבָ֖ן

H3837

all that Laban

laban, a place in the desert

#20

עֹ֥שֶׂה

H6213

doeth

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#21

לָּֽךְ׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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