Genesis 39:18

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֕י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כַּֽהֲרִימִ֥י
And it came to pass as I lifted up
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#3
קוֹלִ֖י
my voice
a voice or sound
#4
וָֽאֶקְרָ֑א
and cried
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#5
וַיַּֽעֲזֹ֥ב
that he left
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#6
בִּגְד֛וֹ
his garment
a covering, i.e., clothing
#7
אֶצְלִ֖י
with me
a side; (as a preposition) near
#8
וַיָּ֥נָס
and fled
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#9
הַחֽוּצָה׃
out
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

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

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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