Genesis 34:19

Authorized King James Version

And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֵחַ֤ר

H309

deferred

to loiter (i.e., be behind); by implication to procrastinate

הַנַּ֙עַר֙

H5288

And the young man

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת

H6213

not to do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַדָּבָ֔ר

H1697

the thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חָפֵ֖ץ

H2654

because he had delight

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

בְּבַֽת

H1323

daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

יַעֲקֹ֑ב

H3290

in Jacob's

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#10

וְה֣וּא

H1931

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

#11

נִכְבָּ֔ד

H3513

and he was more honourable

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

#12

מִכֹּ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

than all the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#14

אָבִֽיו׃

of his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline