Genesis 34:22

Authorized King James Version

Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַךְ

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

בְּ֠זֹאת

H2063

Only herein

this (often used adverb)

יֵאֹ֨תוּ

H225

consent

properly, to come, i.e., (implied) to assent

לָ֤נוּ

הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לָשֶׁ֣בֶת

H3427

unto us for to dwell

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

אִתָּ֔נוּ

H854

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

לִֽהְי֖וֹת

H1961

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

לְעַ֣ם

H5971

people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#10

אֶחָ֑ד

H259

with us to be one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#11

נִמֹּלִֽים׃

H4135

among us be circumcised

to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy

#12

לָ֙נוּ֙

#13

כָּל

H3605

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

#14

זָכָ֔ר

H2145

if every male

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

#15

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

הֵ֥ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#17

נִמֹּלִֽים׃

H4135

among us be circumcised

to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of covenant community 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

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
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?

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