Genesis 31:29

Authorized King James Version

It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יֶשׁ

H3426

It is

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

לְאֵ֣ל

H410

in the power

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

יָדִ֔י

H3027

of my hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת

H6213

to do

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

עִמָּכֶ֖ם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

רָֽע׃

H7451

or bad

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וֵֽאלֹהֵ֨י

H430

but the 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

אֲבִיכֶ֜ם

of your father

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

אֶ֣מֶשׁ׀

H570

unto me yesternight

yesterday or last night

#10

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

אֵלַ֣י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#13

הִשָּׁ֧מֶר

H8104

Take thou heed

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#14

לְךָ֛

#15

מִדַּבֵּ֥ר

H1696

that thou speak not

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#16

עִֽם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#17

יַעֲקֹ֖ב

H3290

to Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#18

מִטּ֥וֹב

H2896

either good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#19

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#20

רָֽע׃

H7451

or bad

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty 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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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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