Genesis 35:3

Authorized King James Version

And let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנָק֥וּמָה

H6965

And let us arise

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְנַֽעֲלֶ֖ה

H5927

and go up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בֵּֽית

אֵ֑ל

H1008

to Bethel

beth-el, a place in palestine

וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה

H6213

and I will make

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

שָּׁ֣ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מִזְבֵּ֗חַ

H4196

there an altar

an altar

לָאֵ֞ל

H410

unto God

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

הָֽעֹנֶ֤ה

H6030

who answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

#10

אֹתִי֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

בְּי֣וֹם

H3117

me in the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#12

צָֽרָתִ֔י

H6869

of my distress

transitively, a female rival

#13

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

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

#14

עִמָּדִ֔י

H5978

along with

#15

בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ

H1870

and was with me in the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#16

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#17

הָלָֽכְתִּי׃

H1980

which I went

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?

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