Genesis 35:4

Authorized King James Version

And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּתְּנ֣וּ

H5414

And they gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶֽל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב

H3290

and Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

אֵ֣ת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

אֱלֹהֵ֤י

H430

gods

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

הַנֵּכָר֙

H5236

all the strange

foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

בְּיָדָ֔ם

H3027

which were in their hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#10

וְאֶת

H853

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

#11

הַנְּזָמִ֖ים

H5141

and all their earrings

a nose-ring

#12

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#13

בְּאָזְנֵיהֶ֑ם

H241

which were in their ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

#14

וַיִּטְמֹ֤ן

H2934

hid

to hide (by covering over)

#15

אֹתָם֙

H853

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

#16

יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב

H3290

and Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#17

תַּ֥חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#18

הָֽאֵלָ֖ה

H424

them under the oak

an oak or other strong tree

#19

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#20

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#21

שְׁכֶֽם׃

H7927

which was by Shechem

shekem, a place in palestine

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 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 sovereignty. 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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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