Genesis 37:7

Authorized King James Version

For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֠הִנֵּה
lo!
#2
אֲנַ֜חְנוּ
we
#3
מְאַלְּמִ֤ים
For behold we were binding
to tie fast; hence (of the mouth) to be tongue-tied
#4
לַֽאֲלֻמָּתִֽי׃
and behold your sheaves
something bound; a sheaf
#5
בְּת֣וֹךְ
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#6
הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה
in the field
a field (as flat)
#7
וְהִנֵּ֛ה
lo!
#8
קָ֥מָה
arose
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#9
לַֽאֲלֻמָּתִֽי׃
and behold your sheaves
something bound; a sheaf
#10
וְגַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#11
נִצָּ֑בָה
and also stood upright
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#12
וְהִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#13
תְסֻבֶּ֙ינָה֙
stood round about
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#14
לַֽאֲלֻמָּתִֽי׃
and behold your sheaves
something bound; a sheaf
#15
וַתִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖יןָ
and made obeisance
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#16
לַֽאֲלֻמָּתִֽי׃
and behold your sheaves
something bound; a sheaf

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 literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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