Genesis 35:17

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֥י

H1961

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

בְהַקְשֹׁתָ֖הּ

H7185

And it came to pass when she was in hard

properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)

הַמְיַלֶּ֙דֶת֙

H3205

labour

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

וַתֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

לָ֤הּ

הַמְיַלֶּ֙דֶת֙

H3205

labour

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י

H3372

unto her Fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#10

גַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#11

זֶ֥ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#12

לָ֖ךְ

#13

בֵּֽן׃

H1121

not thou shalt have this son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

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 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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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 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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