Genesis 36:12

Authorized King James Version

And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau's wife.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְתִמְנַ֣ע׀
And Timna
timna, the name of two edomites
#2
הָֽיְתָ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
פִילֶ֗גֶשׁ
was concubine
a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour
#4
לֶֽאֱלִיפַ֖ז
to Eliphaz
eliphaz, the name of one of job's friends, and of a son of esau
#5
בְּנֵ֥י
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
#6
עֵשָֽׂו׃
Esau's
esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity
#7
וַתֵּ֥לֶד
and she bare
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#8
לֶֽאֱלִיפַ֖ז
to Eliphaz
eliphaz, the name of one of job's friends, and of a son of esau
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
עֲמָלֵ֑ק
Amalek
amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
#11
אֵ֕לֶּה
these or those
#12
בְּנֵ֥י
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
#13
עָדָ֖ה
of Adah
adah, the name of two women
#14
אֵ֥שֶׁת
wife
a woman
#15
עֵשָֽׂו׃
Esau's
esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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