Genesis 35:14

Authorized King James Version

And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּצֵּ֨ב

H5324

set up

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

יַֽעֲקֹ֜ב

H3290

And Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

מַצֵּבָ֗ה

H4676

a pillar

something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol

בַּמָּק֛וֹם

H4725

in the place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

דִּבֶּ֥ר

H1696

where he talked

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אִתּ֖וֹ

H854

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

מַצֶּ֣בֶת

H4678

with him even a pillar

something stationary, i.e., a monumental stone; also the stock of a tree

אָ֑בֶן

H68

of stone

a stone

#10

וַיַּסֵּ֤ךְ

H5258

and he poured

to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king

#11

עָלֶ֙יהָ֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

נֶ֔סֶךְ

H5262

a drink offering

a libation; also a cast idol

#13

וַיִּצֹ֥ק

H3332

thereon and he poured

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

#14

עָלֶ֖יהָ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#15

שָֽׁמֶן׃

H8081

oil

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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 35 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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