Genesis 32:25

Authorized King James Version

And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֗רְא

H7200

And when he saw

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

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

יָכֹל֙

H3201

that he prevailed

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

ל֔וֹ

וַיִּגַּ֖ע

H5060

not against him he touched

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

כַּף

H3709

and the hollow

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

יֶ֣רֶךְ

H3409

the hollow of his thigh

the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side

וַתֵּ֙קַע֙

H3363

was out of joint

properly, to sever oneself, i.e., (by implication) to be dislocated; figuratively, to abandon; causatively, to impale (and thus allow to drop to piece

#10

כַּף

H3709

and the hollow

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

#11

יֶ֣רֶךְ

H3409

the hollow of his thigh

the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side

#12

יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב

H3290

of Jacob's

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#13

בְּהֵֽאָבְק֖וֹ

H79

as he wrestled

to bedust, i.e., grapple

#14

עִמּֽוֹ׃

H5973

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

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 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 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?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline