Genesis 50:10

Authorized King James Version

And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ

H935

And they came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

גֹּ֣רֶן

H1637

to the threshingfloor

a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area

הָֽאָטָ֗ד

H329

of Atad

a thorn-tree (especially the buckthorn)

אֲשֶׁר֙

H834

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

בְּעֵ֣בֶר

H5676

which is beyond

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן

H3383

Jordan

jarden, the principal river of palestine

וַיִּ֨סְפְּדוּ

H5594

and there they mourned

properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail

שָׁ֔ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#10

מִסְפֵּ֛ד

H4553

lamentation

a lamentation

#11

גָּד֥וֹל

H1419

with a great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#12

וְכָבֵ֖ד

H3515

sore

heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)

#13

מְאֹ֑ד

H3966

and very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

#14

וַיַּ֧עַשׂ

H6213

and he made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

לְאָבִ֛יו

for his father

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

#16

אֵ֖בֶל

H60

a mourning

lamentation

#17

שִׁבְעַ֥ת

H7651

seven

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

#18

יָמִֽים׃

H3117

days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 50 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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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