Joshua 24:3

Authorized King James Version

And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָֽ֠אֶקַּח

H3947

And I took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

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

אֲבִיכֶ֤ם

your father

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

אֶת

H853

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

אַבְרָהָם֙

H85

Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

מֵעֵ֣בֶר

H5676

from the other side

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

הַנָּהָ֔ר

H5104

of the flood

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

וָֽאוֹלֵ֥ךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אוֹת֖וֹ

H853

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

#10

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#11

אֶ֣רֶץ

H776

him throughout all the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

כְּנָ֑עַן

H3667

of Canaan

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

#13

וָֽאַרְבֶּ֙

H7235

and multiplied

to increase (in whatever respect)

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

זַרְע֔וֹ

H2233

his seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

#16

וָֽאֶתֶּן

H5414

and gave

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

#17

ל֖וֹ

#18

אֶת

H853

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

#19

יִצְחָֽק׃

H3327

him Isaac

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 24 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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