Genesis 32:12

Authorized King James Version

And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אָמַ֔רְתָּ

H559

And thou saidst

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵיטִ֖יב

H3190

I will surely

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

אֵיטִ֖יב

H3190

I will surely

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

עִמָּ֑ךְ

H5973

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

וְשַׂמְתִּ֤י

H7760

and make

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֶֽת

H853

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

זַרְעֲךָ֙

H2233

thy seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

כְּח֣וֹל

H2344

as the sand

sand (as round or whirling particles)

#10

הַיָּ֔ם

H3220

of the sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

#11

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#12

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

יִסָּפֵ֖ר

H5608

which cannot be numbered

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

#14

מֵרֹֽב׃

H7230

for multitude

abundance (in any respect)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation 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 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

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 32 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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 might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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