Genesis 37:14

Authorized King James Version

And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ

לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

נָ֨א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

רְאֵ֜ה

H7200

I pray thee see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת

H853

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

שְׁל֣וֹם

H7965

and well

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

אַחֶ֙יךָ֙

H251

with thy brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וְאֶת

H853

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

#10

שְׁל֣וֹם

H7965

and well

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

#11

הַצֹּ֔אן

H6629

with the flocks

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

#12

וַֽהֲשִׁבֵ֖נִי

H7725

again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#13

דָּבָ֑ר

H1697

me word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#14

וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֙הוּ֙

H7971

So he sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#15

מֵעֵ֣מֶק

H6010

him out of the vale

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

#16

חֶבְר֔וֹן

H2275

of Hebron

chebron, the name of two israelites

#17

וַיָּבֹ֖א

H935

and he came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#18

שְׁכֶֽמָה׃

H7927

to Shechem

shekem, a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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