Genesis 31:17

Authorized King James Version

Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֖קָם
rose up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#2
יַֽעֲקֹ֑ב
Then Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#3
וַיִּשָּׂ֛א
and set
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
בָּנָ֥יו
his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
נָשָׁ֖יו
and his wives
a woman
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
הַגְּמַלִּֽים׃
upon camels
a camel

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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.

Questions for Reflection

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