Genesis 32:11

Authorized King James Version

Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַצִּילֵ֥נִי

H5337

Deliver me

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

נָ֛א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

מִיַּ֣ד

H3027

I pray thee from the 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

אָחִ֖י

H251

of my brother

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

מִיַּ֣ד

H3027

I pray thee from the 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

עֵשָׂ֑ו

H6215

of Esau

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

כִּֽי

H3588

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

יָרֵ֤א

H3373

for I fear

fearing; morally, reverent

אָֽנֹכִי֙

H595

#10

אֹת֔וֹ

H853

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

#11

פֶּן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

#12

יָב֣וֹא

H935

him lest he will come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#13

וְהִכַּ֔נִי

H5221

and smite me

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#14

אֵ֖ם

H517

and the mother

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

#15

עַל

H5921

with

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

#16

בָּנִֽים׃

H1121

the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality 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 revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 32 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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