Genesis 31:16

Authorized King James Version

For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is our's, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

כָל

H3605

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

הָעֹ֗שֶׁר

H6239

For all the riches

wealth

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

הִצִּ֤יל

H5337

hath taken

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

אֱלֹהִ֛ים

H430

now then whatsoever 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

מֵֽאָבִ֔ינוּ

from our father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לָ֥נוּ

ה֖וּא

H1931

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

#10

וּלְבָנֵ֑ינוּ

H1121

that is ours and our children's

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

וְעַתָּ֗ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#12

כֹּל֩

H3605

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

#13

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

#14

אָמַ֧ר

H559

hath said

to say (used with great latitude)

#15

אֱלֹהִ֛ים

H430

now then whatsoever 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

#16

אֵלֶ֖יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#17

עֲשֵֽׂה׃

H6213

unto thee do

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

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

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?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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