Genesis 46:25

Authorized King James Version

These are the sons of Bilhah, which Laban gave unto Rachel his daughter, and she bare these unto Jacob: all the souls were seven.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֵ֚לֶּה

H428

these or those

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

These are 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

בִלְהָ֔ה

H1090

of Bilhah

bilhah, the name of a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָתַ֥ן

H5414

gave

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

לָבָ֖ן

H3837

which Laban

laban, a place in the desert

לְרָחֵ֣ל

H7354

unto Rachel

rachel, a wife of jacob

בִּתּ֑וֹ

H1323

his daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וַתֵּ֧לֶד

H3205

and she bare

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

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

אֵ֛לֶּה

H428

these or those

#12

לְיַֽעֲקֹ֖ב

H3290

these unto Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#13

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

נֶ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

all the souls

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#15

שִׁבְעָֽה׃

H7651

were seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 46 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?

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