Genesis 32:9

Authorized King James Version

And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָֽאֹמֵ֣ר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יַֽעֲקֹב֒
And Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#3
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֖י
O God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#4
אָבִ֣י
H1
of my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
H85
Abraham
abraham, the later name of abram
#6
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֖י
O God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#7
אָבִ֣י
H1
of my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#8
יִצְחָ֑ק
Isaac
jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham
#9
יְהוָ֞ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
הָֽאֹמֵ֣ר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
אֵלַ֗י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
שׁ֧וּב
unto me Return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#13
לְאַרְצְךָ֛
unto thy country
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#14
וּלְמֽוֹלַדְתְּךָ֖
and to thy kindred
nativity (plural birth-place); by implication, lineage, native country; also offspring, family
#15
וְאֵיטִ֥יבָה
and I will deal well
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#16
עִמָּֽךְ׃
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 declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources