Genesis 31:50

Authorized King James Version

If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תְּעַנֶּ֣ה

H6031

If thou shalt afflict

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

אֶת

H853

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

בְּנֹתַ֔י

H1323

my daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּקַּ֤ח

H3947

or if thou shalt take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

נָשִׁים֙

H802

other wives

a woman

עַל

H5921

beside

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּנֹתַ֔י

H1323

my daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#10

אֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#11

אִ֖ישׁ

H376

no man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#12

עִמָּ֑נוּ

H5973

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

#13

רְאֵ֕ה

H7200

is with us see

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

#14

אֱלֹהִ֥ים

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

#15

עֵ֖ד

H5707

is witness

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

#16

בֵּינִ֥י

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#17

וּבֵינֶֽךָ׃

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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

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?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

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