Genesis 38:10

Authorized King James Version

And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֛רַע
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
#2
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#3
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
And the thing which
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
עָשָׂ֑ה
he did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
וַיָּ֖מֶת
wherefore he slew
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#7
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#8
אֹתֽוֹ׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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 sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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