Genesis 36:24

Authorized King James Version

And these are the children of Zibeon; both Ajah, and Anah: this was that Anah that found the mules in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of Zibeon his father.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵ֥לֶּה
these or those
#2
בְנֵֽי
And these are the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
לְצִבְע֥וֹן
of Zibeon
tsibon, an idumaean
#4
וְאַיָּ֣ה
both Ajah
ajah, the name of two israelites
#5
עֲנָ֗ה
and Anah
anah, the name of two edomites and one edomitess
#6
ה֣וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
עֲנָ֗ה
and Anah
anah, the name of two edomites and one edomitess
#8
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
מָצָ֤א
that found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הַיֵּמִם֙
the mules
a warm spring
#12
בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#13
בִּרְעֹת֥וֹ
as he fed
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
הַֽחֲמֹרִ֖ים
the asses
a male ass (from its dun red)
#16
לְצִבְע֥וֹן
of Zibeon
tsibon, an idumaean
#17
אָבִֽיו׃
H1
his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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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