Genesis 32:10

Authorized King James Version

I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.

Word-by-Word Analysis

קָטֹ֜נְתִּי

H6994

I am not worthy of the least

to diminish, i.e., be (causatively, make) diminutive or (figuratively) of no account

מִכֹּ֤ל

H3605

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

הַֽחֲסָדִים֙

H2617

of all the mercies

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וּמִכָּל

H3605

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

הָ֣אֱמֶ֔ת

H571

and of all the truth

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

עָשִׂ֖יתָ

H6213

which thou hast shewed

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

אֶת

H853

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

עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ

H5650

unto thy servant

a servant

#10

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#11

בְמַקְלִ֗י

H4731

for with my staff

a shoot, i.e., stick (with leaves on, or for walking, striking, guiding, divining)

#12

עָבַ֙רְתִּי֙

H5674

I passed over

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

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

הַיַּרְדֵּ֣ן

H3383

this Jordan

jarden, the principal river of palestine

#15

הַזֶּ֔ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#16

וְעַתָּ֥ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#17

הָיִ֖יתִי

H1961

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

#18

לִשְׁנֵ֥י

H8147

and now I am become two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#19

מַֽחֲנֽוֹת׃

H4264

bands

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of truth reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 truth. 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on truth address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
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?
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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