Genesis 49:6

Authorized King James Version

O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּסֹדָם֙
H5475
not thou into their secret
a session, i.e., company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret
#2
אַל
H408
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#3
תָּבֹ֣א
H935
come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
נַפְשִׁ֔י
H5315
O my soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#5
בִּקְהָלָ֖ם
H6951
unto their assembly
assemblage (usually concretely)
#6
אַל
H408
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#7
תֵּחַ֣ד
H3161
be not thou united
to be (or become) one
#8
כְּבֹדִ֑י
H3519
mine honour
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#9
כִּ֤י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
בְאַפָּם֙
H639
for in their anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#11
הָ֣רְגוּ
H2026
they slew
to smite with deadly intent
#12
אִ֔ישׁ
H376
a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#13
וּבִרְצֹנָ֖ם
H7522
and in their selfwill
delight (especially as shown)
#14
עִקְּרוּ
H6131
they digged down
to pluck up (especially by the roots); specifically, to hamstring; figuratively, to exterminate
#15
שֽׁוֹר׃
H7794
a wall
a bullock (as a traveller)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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