Genesis 34:10

Authorized King James Version

And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִתָּ֖נוּ

H854

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

שְׁבוּ֙

H3427

And ye shall dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וְהָאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

with us and the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

shall be

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם

H6440

before you

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

שְׁבוּ֙

H3427

And ye shall dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וּסְחָר֔וּהָ

H5503

and trade

to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate

וְהֵֽאָחֲז֖וּ

H270

ye therein and get you possessions

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

בָּֽהּ׃

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

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 does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 34 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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