Genesis 33:16

Authorized King James Version

So Esau returned that day on his way unto Seir.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּשָׁב֩
returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
בַּיּ֨וֹם
that day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
הַה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#4
עֵשָׂ֛ו
So Esau
esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity
#5
לְדַרְכּ֖וֹ
on his way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#6
שֵׂעִֽירָה׃
unto Seir
seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine

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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