Genesis 32:20

Authorized King James Version

And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָמַ֞ר

H559

And say ye

to say (used with great latitude)

גַּ֗ם

H1571

moreover

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הִנֵּ֛ה

H2009

lo!

עַבְדְּךָ֥

H5650

Behold thy servant

a servant

יַֽעֲקֹ֖ב

H3290

Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וְאַֽחֲרֵי

H310

and afterward

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כִּֽי

H3588

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

אָמַ֞ר

H559

And say ye

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲכַפְּרָ֣ה

H3722

I will appease

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

#10

פָנָֽי׃

H6440

before me

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

#11

בַּמִּנְחָה֙

H4503

with the present

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

#12

הַֽהֹלֶ֣כֶת

H1980

that goeth

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

#13

פָנָֽי׃

H6440

before me

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

#14

וְאַֽחֲרֵי

H310

and afterward

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#15

כֵן֙

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#16

אֶרְאֶ֣ה

H7200

I will see

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

#17

פָנָֽי׃

H6440

before me

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

#18

אוּלַ֖י

H194

if not; hence perhaps

#19

יִשָּׂ֥א

H5375

peradventure he will accept

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#20

פָנָֽי׃

H6440

before me

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

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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