Genesis 31:21

Authorized King James Version

So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּבְרַ֥ח

H1272

So he fled

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

הוּא֙

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

וְכָל

H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

ל֔וֹ

וַיָּ֖קָם

H6965

with all that he had and he rose up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֣ר

H5674

and passed over

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת

H853

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

הַנָּהָ֑ר

H5104

the river

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

#10

וַיָּ֥שֶׂם

H7760

and set

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

פָּנָ֖יו

H6440

his face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#13

הַ֥ר

H2022

toward the mount

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#14

הַגִּלְעָֽד׃

H1568

Gilead

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

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

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 understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline