Genesis 31:42

Authorized King James Version

Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לוּלֵ֡י

H3884

Except

if not

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

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

אָבִי֩

of my father

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

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

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

אַבְרָהָ֜ם

H85

of Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

וּפַ֤חַד

H6343

and the fear

a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)

יִצְחָק֙

H3327

of Isaac

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

הָ֣יָה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִ֔י

#10

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

#11

עַתָּ֖ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#12

רֵיקָ֣ם

H7387

now empty

emptily; figuratively (objective) ineffectually, (subjective) undeservedly

#13

שִׁלַּחְתָּ֑נִי

H7971

had been with me surely thou hadst sent me away

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

עָנְיִ֞י

H6040

mine affliction

depression, i.e., misery

#16

וְאֶת

H853

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

#17

יְגִ֧יעַ

H3018

and the labour

toil; hence, a work, produce, property (as the result of labor)

#18

כַּפַּ֛י

H3709

of my hands

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

#19

רָאָ֥ה

H7200

hath seen

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#20

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

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

#21

וַיּ֥וֹכַח

H3198

and rebuked

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

#22

אָֽמֶשׁ׃

H570

thee yesternight

yesterday or last night

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline