Genesis 38:5

Authorized King James Version

And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתֹּ֤סֶף

H3254

And she yet again conceived

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

עוֹד֙

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בְּלִדְתָּ֥הּ

H3205

and bare

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

בֵּ֔ן

H1121

a son

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

וַתִּקְרָ֥א

H7121

and called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

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

שְׁמ֖וֹ

H8034

his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שֵׁלָ֑ה

H7956

Shelah

shelah, the name of a postdiluvian patriarch and of an israelite

וְהָיָ֥ה

H1961

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

#10

בִכְזִ֖יב

H3580

and he was at Chezib

kezib, a place in palestine

#11

בְּלִדְתָּ֥הּ

H3205

and bare

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

#12

אֹתֽוֹ׃

H853

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

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 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?
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?
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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