Genesis 32:7

Authorized King James Version

Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּירָ֧א

H3372

afraid

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

יַֽעֲקֹ֛ב

H3290

Then Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

מְאֹ֖ד

H3966

was greatly

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַיֵּ֣צֶר

H3334

and distressed

to press (intransitive), i.e., be narrow; figuratively, be in distress

ל֑וֹ

וַיַּ֜חַץ

H2673

and he divided

to cut or split in two; to halve

אֶת

H853

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

הָעָ֣ם

H5971

the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#10

אִתּ֗וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#11

וְאֶת

H853

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

#12

הַצֹּ֧אן

H6629

that was with him and the flocks

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#13

וְאֶת

H853

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

#14

הַבָּקָ֛ר

H1241

and herds

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

#15

וְהַגְּמַלִּ֖ים

H1581

and the camels

a camel

#16

לִשְׁנֵ֥י

H8147

into two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#17

מַֽחֲנֽוֹת׃

H4264

bands

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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 might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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