Genesis 35:11

Authorized King James Version

And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּאמֶר֩
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
ל֨וֹ
H0
#3
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
And God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#4
אֲנִ֨י
i
#5
אֵ֤ל
unto him I am God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#6
שַׁדַּי֙
Almighty
the almighty
#7
פְּרֵ֣ה
be fruitful
to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)
#8
וּרְבֵ֔ה
and multiply
to increase (in whatever respect)
#9
גּוֹיִ֖ם
a nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#10
וּקְהַ֥ל
and a company
assemblage (usually concretely)
#11
גּוֹיִ֖ם
a nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#12
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
מִמֶּ֑ךָּ
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#14
וּמְלָכִ֖ים
shall be of thee and kings
a king
#15
מֵֽחֲלָצֶ֥יךָ
out of thy loins
the loins (as the seat of vigor)
#16
יֵצֵֽאוּ׃
shall come
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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