Genesis 36:7

Authorized King James Version

For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הָיָ֧ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

רְכוּשָׁ֛ם

H7399

For their riches

property (as gathered)

רָ֖ב

H7227

were more

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

מִשֶּׁ֣בֶת

H3427

than that they might dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יַחְדָּ֑ו

H3162

together

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

וְלֹ֨א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָֽכְלָ֜ה

H3201

could

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

אֶ֤רֶץ

H776

and the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

מְגֽוּרֵיהֶם֙

H4033

wherein they were strangers

a temporary abode; by extension, a permanent residence

#11

לָשֵׂ֣את

H5375

not bear

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#12

אֹתָ֔ם

H853

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

#13

מִפְּנֵ֖י

H6440

them because

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#14

מִקְנֵיהֶֽם׃

H4735

of their cattle

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?

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