Genesis 46:12

Authorized King James Version

And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְנֵי

H1121

And the sons

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

יְהוּדָ֗ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

עֵ֤ר

H6147

er, the name of two israelites

וְאוֹנָן֙

H209

and Onan

onan, a son of judah

וְשֵׁלָ֖ה

H7956

and Shelah

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

פֶ֖רֶץ

H6557

and Pharez

perets, the name of two israelites

וָזָ֑רַח

H2226

and Zerah

zerach, the name of three israelites, also of an idumaean and an ethiopian prince

וַיָּ֨מָת

H4191

died

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

עֵ֤ר

H6147

er, the name of two israelites

#10

וְאוֹנָן֙

H209

and Onan

onan, a son of judah

#11

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

כְּנַ֔עַן

H3667

of Canaan

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

#13

וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ

H1961

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

#14

בְנֵי

H1121

And the sons

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

#15

פֶ֖רֶץ

H6557

and Pharez

perets, the name of two israelites

#16

חֶצְרֹ֥ן

H2696

were Hezron

chetsron, the name of a place in palestine; also of two israelites

#17

וְחָמֽוּל׃

H2538

and Hamul

chamul, an israelite

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

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?
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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