Genesis 37:35

Authorized King James Version

And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּקֻמוּ֩

H6965

rose up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנִ֛י

H1121

And all his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנֹתָ֜יו

H1323

and all his daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

לְהִתְנַחֵ֔ם

H5162

to be comforted

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

וַיְמָאֵן֙

H3985

him but he refused

to refuse

לְהִתְנַחֵ֔ם

H5162

to be comforted

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר

H559

and he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#11

אֵרֵ֧ד

H3381

For I will go down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

בְּנִ֛י

H1121

And all his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#14

אָבֵ֖ל

H57

mourning

lamenting

#15

שְׁאֹ֑לָה

H7585

into the grave

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

#16

וַיֵּ֥בְךְּ

H1058

wept

to weep; generally to bemoan

#17

אֹת֖וֹ

H853

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

#18

אָבִֽיו׃

Thus his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. 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

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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