Genesis 33:12

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
נִסְעָ֣ה
Let us take our journey
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#3
וְנֵלֵ֑כָה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
וְאֵֽלְכָ֖ה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
לְנֶגְדֶּֽךָ׃
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

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