Genesis 36:33

Authorized King James Version

And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֖מָת
died
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#2
בָּ֑לַע
And Bela
bela, the name of a place
#3
וַיִּמְלֹ֣ךְ
reigned
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#4
תַּחְתָּ֔יו
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#5
יוֹבָ֥ב
and Jobab
jobab, the name of two israelites and of three foreigners
#6
בֶּן
the 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
#7
זֶ֖רַח
of Zerah
zerach, the name of three israelites, also of an idumaean and an ethiopian prince
#8
מִבָּצְרָֽה׃
of Bozrah
botsrah, a place in edom

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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