Genesis 35:8

Authorized King James Version

But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Beth-el under an oak: and the name of it was called Allon-bachuth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתָּ֤מָת
died
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#2
דְּבֹרָה֙
But Deborah
deborah, the name of two hebrewesses
#3
מֵינֶ֣קֶת
nurse
to suck; causatively, to give milk
#4
רִבְקָ֔ה
Rebekah's
ribkah, the wife of isaac
#5
וַתִּקָּבֵ֛ר
and she was buried
to inter
#6
מִתַּ֥חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#7
לְבֵֽית
H0
#8
אֵ֖ל
beneath Bethel
beth-el, a place in palestine
#9
תַּ֣חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#10
הָֽאַלּ֑וֹן
under an oak
oak tree
#11
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
of it was called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#12
שְׁמ֖וֹ
and the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#13
אַלּ֥וֹן
H0
#14
בָּכֽוּת׃
Allonbachuth
allon-bakuth, a monumental tree

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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