Genesis 32:17

Authorized King James Version

And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְצַ֥ו

H6680

And he commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת

H853

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

הָֽרִאשׁ֖וֹן

H7223

the foremost

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

יִֽפְגָּשְׁךָ֞

H6298

meeteth thee

to come in contact with, whether by accident or violence; figuratively, to concur

עֵשָׂ֣ו

H6215

When Esau

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

אָחִ֗י

H251

my brother

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

וּשְׁאֵֽלְךָ֙

H7592

and asketh thee

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

#10

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

לְמִי

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#12

אַ֙תָּה֙

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#13

וְאָ֣נָה

H575

where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither

#14

תֵלֵ֔ךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#15

וּלְמִ֖י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#16

אֵ֥לֶּה

H428

these or those

#17

לְפָנֶֽיךָ׃

H6440

thou and whose are these before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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

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