Genesis 31:18

Authorized King James Version

And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padan-aram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּנְהַ֣ג

H5090

And he carried away

to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

מִקְנֵה֙

H4735

all his cattle

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

וְאֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

רְכֻשׁוֹ֙

H7399

and all his goods

property (as gathered)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

רָכַ֖שׁ

H7408

which he had gotten

to lay up, i.e., collect

#10

מִקְנֵה֙

H4735

all his cattle

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

#11

קִנְיָנ֔וֹ

H7075

of his getting

creation, i.e., (concretely) creatures; also acquisition, purchase, wealth

#12

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#13

רָכַ֖שׁ

H7408

which he had gotten

to lay up, i.e., collect

#14

בְּפַדַּ֣ן

#15

אֲרָ֑ם

H6307

in Padanaram

paddan or paddan-aram, a region of syria

#16

לָב֛וֹא

H935

for to go

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#17

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#18

יִצְחָ֥ק

H3327

to Isaac

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

#19

אָבִ֖יו

his father

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

#20

אַ֥רְצָה

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#21

כְּנָֽעַן׃

H3667

of Canaan

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

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 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

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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