Genesis 4:12

Authorized King James Version

When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֤י

H3588

When

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

תַֽעֲבֹד֙

H5647

thou tillest

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֶת

H853

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

הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה

H127

the ground

soil (from its general redness)

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֹסֵ֥ף

H3254

it shall not henceforth

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

תֵּת

H5414

yield

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

כֹּחָ֖הּ

H3581

unto thee her strength

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

לָ֑ךְ

#10

נָ֥ע

H5128

a fugitive

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

#11

וָנָ֖ד

H5110

and a vagabond

to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea

#12

תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

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

#13

בָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

shalt thou be in the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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