Genesis 24:52

וַיְהִ֕י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׁמַ֛ע עֶ֥בֶד אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶת־דִּבְרֵיהֶ֑ם וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ אַ֖רְצָה לַֽיהוָֽה׃

And it came to pass, when Avraham’s servant heard their words, that he bowed down to the ground before YHWH.

Morphology

1. וַיְהִ֕י (vayehi) – Root: היה (h-y-h); Form: Verb, Qal, Wayyiqtol (consecutive imperfect), 3ms; Translation: “And it came to pass”; Notes: Narrative introduction, common in Hebrew storytelling.
2. כַאֲשֶׁ֥ר (kaʾasher) – Root: N/A; Form: Conjunction; Translation: “when”; Notes: Indicates the time or condition of the following action.
3. שָׁמַ֛ע (shama) – Root: שׁמע (sh-m-ʿ); Form: Verb, Qal, Perfect, 3ms; Translation: “he heard”; Notes: Refers to the servant hearing the spoken words.
4. עֶ֥בֶד (ʿeved) – Root: עבד (ʿ-v-d); Form: Noun, ms; Translation: “servant”; Notes: Refers to the servant of Abraham.
5. אַבְרָהָ֖ם (Avraham) – Root: אברהם (ʾ-v-r-h-m); Form: Proper noun, ms; Translation: “Abraham”; Notes: The patriarch and master of the servant.
6. אֶת־ (et) – Root: N/A; Form: Definite direct object marker; Translation: “the”; Notes: Marks the direct object of the verb.
7. דִּבְרֵיהֶ֑ם (divreihem) – Root: דבר (d-v-r); Form: Noun, mp construct + 3mp suffix; Translation: “their words”; Notes: Refers to the speech of Laban and Bethuel.
8. וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ (vayishtachu) – Root: שׁחה (sh-kh-h); Form: Verb, Hishtafel, Wayyiqtol (consecutive imperfect), 3ms; Translation: “he bowed down”; Notes: Indicates an act of worship or reverence.
9. אַ֖רְצָה (artzah) – Root: ארץ (ʾ-r-ts); Form: Noun, fs with directional suffix; Translation: “to the ground”; Notes: Directional form indicating where the bowing occurred.
10. לַֽיהוָֽה׃ (la-YHWH) – Root: יהוה (YHWH); Form: Preposition + proper noun; Translation: “to the LORD”; Notes: Directs the act of worship to God.

Morphological Analysis

• וַיְהִ֕י (vayehi)
  Root: הָיָה (to be)
  Binyan: Qal
  Form: Conjunction וַ (and) + Verb, 3ms, Perfect
  Translation: “And it came to pass”
• כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר (ka-asher)
  Root: אֲשֶׁר (which, that)
  Form: Conjunction
  Translation: “when”
• שָׁמַ֛ע (shama)
  Root: שָׁמַע (to hear)
  Binyan: Qal
  Form: Verb, 3ms, Perfect
  Translation: “heard”
• עֶ֥בֶד (eved)
  Root: עֶבֶד (servant)
  Form: Noun, singular, masculine
  Translation: “servant”
• אַבְרָהָ֖ם (Avraham)
  Root: אַבְרָהָם (Abraham)
  Form: Proper noun, singular, masculine
  Translation: “Abraham”
• אֶת־דִּבְרֵיהֶ֑ם (et-dibrehem)
  Root: דָּבַר (to speak)
  Form: Preposition אֶת (with) + Noun, plural, masculine with 3mp possessive pronoun
  Translation: “their words”
• וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ (vayishtachu)
  Root: שָׁחָה (to bow down)
  Binyan: Hitpael
  Form: Conjunction וַ (and) + Verb, 3mp, Perfect
  Translation: “that he bowed down”
• אַ֖רְצָה (artsah)
  Root: אֶרֶץ (earth, ground)
  Form: Noun, singular, feminine
  Translation: “to the ground”
• לַֽיהוָֽה (la-LORD)
  Root: יְהוָֽה (LORD)
  Form: Preposition לְ (to) + Proper noun
  Translation: “to the LORD”

Syntax Analysis

The verse opens with a temporal clause introduced by כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר, linking the moment of hearing to the subsequent action of bowing down. The subject, עֶ֥בֶד אַבְרָהָ֖ם, is presented prominently before the verb, emphasizing the servant’s response to the divine directive conveyed through the dialogue. The coordination of actions (hearing and bowing) illustrates the servant’s reverence.

Grammatical Analysis

The structure reflects a narrative style common in biblical texts, utilizing conjunctions to connect actions smoothly. The servant’s act of bowing is highlighted as a direct response to hearing the words, indicating respect and obedience to divine will. The use of the conjunction וַ at the beginning of clauses signals the sequential nature of the events.

Lexical Semantics

• וַיְהִ֕י: Indicates the unfolding of events, often setting a narrative tone.
• שָׁמַ֛ע: Implies not just hearing but understanding, reflecting an active engagement with the message.
• יְהוָֽה: Represents the divine name, signifying covenantal relationship and authority.

Word Study

• עֶ֥בֶד: Reflects the theme of servitude and loyalty, prominent in Abrahamic narratives.
• שָׁחָה: Commonly associated with worship and submission in biblical contexts.
• לַֽיהוָֽה: The LORD’s name emphasizes the sacredness and holiness in worship and prayer.

Textual Criticism

• Septuagint: Maintains a similar structure, with slight variations in phrasing, emphasizing the act of worship.
• Targums: Provide interpretative elements that enrich the understanding of the servant’s actions.
• Dead Sea Scrolls: Variants align with the Masoretic Text, ensuring textual integrity.
• Peshitta: Consistent with the Hebrew text, emphasizing the servant’s devotion to the LORD.