Genesis 49:4

Authorized King James Version

Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.

Word-by-Word Analysis

פַּ֤חַז

H6349

Unstable

ebullition, i.e., froth (figuratively, lust)

כַּמַּ֙יִם֙

H4325

as water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תּוֹתַ֔ר

H3498

thou shalt not excel

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

עָלָֽה׃

H5927

because thou wentest up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י

H4904

bed

a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse

אָבִ֑יךָ

to thy father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אָ֥ז

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

#10

חִלַּ֖לְתָּ

H2490

then defiledst thou

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

#11

יְצוּעִ֥י

H3326

to my couch

spread, i.e., a bed; (architecture) an extension, i.e., wing or lean-to (a single story or collectively)

#12

עָלָֽה׃

H5927

because thou wentest up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

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 does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 49 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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