1
Ἀνέβη δὲ Αβραμ ἐξ Αἰγύπτου, αὐτὸς καὶ ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ καὶ πάντα τὰ αὐτοῦ, καὶ Λωτ μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ, εἰς τὴν ἔρημον.
And Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that was his, and Lot with him, into the wilderness.
The postpositive δέ marks the opening of a new scene following the Egypt episode of ch. 12. The verb Ἀνέβη ('went up') is the standard idiom for departure from Egypt toward Canaan — a geographical ascent and a theological reversal of the descent of 12:10. Lot's presence is noted parenthetically (καὶ Λωτ μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ), establishing his attachment to Abram that will become the crisis of the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
Ἀνέβηwent upAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναβαίνωmain verb (narrative action)→ constative aorist (single completed journey)ἀναβαίνω: 'go up / ascend'; renders Hebrew עָלָה (ʿālâ); the verb is the conventional idiom for travel from Egypt northward and upward to Canaan, both geographically (Egypt is lower terrain) and culturally (Canaan / Jerusalem is the 'up' direction in Hebrew/Greek idiom). Cf. LXX Gen 45:9; Num 13:17.
δὲand / nowpostpositive conjunction (scene transition)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΑβραμAbramsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΑβραμ: LXX transliteration of Hebrew אַבְרָם (ʾAbrām, 'exalted father'), the patriarch's name before the covenant renaming to Αβρααμ in Gen 17:5; the text consistently uses Αβραμ through ch. 16.
ἐξout ofpreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἐξ: meaning 'out of'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation).
ΑἰγύπτουEgyptGenitivegenitive of separation (object of ἐξ)→ participant identificationΑἴγυπτος: LXX standard transliteration of Hebrew מִצְרַיִם (Miṣrayim); Abram's sojourn in Egypt (12:10–20) is the immediate narrative backstory.
αὐτὸςhe himselfNominativenominative in apposition to subject (resumptive/emphatic)→ participial qualificationαὐτὸς: meaning 'he himself'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as nominative in apposition to subject (resumptive/emphatic).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (list)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυνὴwifeNominativenominative (subject of implied verb / listed participant)→ participant prominenceγυνή: 'woman / wife'; Sarai is not named in this verse; her unnamed presence echoes the narrative strategy of the Egypt episode (12:11–19) where her identity was the source of the danger.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (list continuation)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πάνταallNominativenominative adjective (substantival: 'all his things')→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all / every'; πάντα τὰ αὐτοῦ = 'everything belonging to him', an idiom also at 12:20; the phrase prepares for the statement of Abram's wealth in v.2.
τὰthe [things]Nominativearticle (substantivizing αὐτοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (with articular neuter plural: 'his possessions')→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (with articular neuter plural: 'his possessions').
καὶandnarrative conjunction (additive)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΛωτLotsubject (indeclinable proper noun, parenthetical addition)→ participant identificationΛωτ: LXX transliteration of Hebrew לוֹט (Lōṭ), Abram's nephew; indeclinable in Greek. His inclusion in the return party sets up the conflict of vv.5–9.
μετ᾿withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)→ spatial or relational framingμετά: 'with / after'; before vowel elided to μετ᾿; here governs genitive αὐτοῦ.
αὐτοῦhimGenitivegenitive of accompaniment (object of μετά)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of accompaniment (object of μετά).
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔρημονwildernessAccusativeaccusative of direction (object of εἰς: 'into the wilderness')→ object specificationἔρημος: 'desert / wilderness / uninhabited region'; renders Hebrew הַנֶּגֶב (the Negeb) — the LXX here uses 'wilderness' rather than a transliteration, interpreting the region as desert-steppe. The Negeb is the arid southern region of Canaan, a transitional zone between Egypt and the settled hill country.
2
Αβραμ δὲ ἦν πλούσιος σφόδρα κτήνεσιν καὶ ἀργυρίῳ καὶ χρυσίῳ.
Now Abram was very rich in livestock and in silver and in gold.
A narrative aside (background information) that explains why the land cannot sustain both Abram and Lot: Abram's extraordinary wealth. The imperfect ἦν signals ongoing state rather than event. σφόδρα ('very greatly') is a Hebraism — מְאֹד (mĕʾōd) used to intensify adjectives and verbs — and is characteristic LXX usage.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ΑβραμAbramsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΑβραμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
δὲnowpostpositive conjunction (background / mild contrast)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'now'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (stative / background)→ imperfect of ongoing state (background description)εἰμί: 'be / exist'; the imperfect ἦν places the wealth as a standing condition throughout the narrative, not a new development; contrasts with the aorist narrative verbs of action around it.
πλούσιοςrichNominativepredicate adjective→ participant prominenceπλούσιος: 'wealthy / rich'; renders Hebrew כָּבֵד (kābēd, 'heavy / weighty') — the Hebrew idiom of being 'heavy' in possessions is rendered by the more transparent Greek πλούσιος. The LXX makes the meaning explicit where the Hebrew uses metaphor.
σφόδραvery greatlyadverb (intensifier of predicate adjective)→ clausal contributionσφόδρα: 'very much / exceedingly'; frequent LXX rendering of Hebrew מְאֹד (mĕʾōd); a Hebraizing intensifier appearing over 100 times in the LXX, far more than in classical Greek prose; flags the text's translation character.
κτήνεσινin livestockDativedative of respect (specification: 'rich with respect to livestock')→ sphere or referenceκτῆνος: 'livestock / cattle / beast'; renders Hebrew מִקְנֶה (miqneh, 'livestock / property in animals'); the dative of respect (Greek dat. of sphere) is used to specify in what way Abram is rich — a construction common in Hellenistic prose.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (list)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀργυρίῳin silverDativedative of respect (list continuation)→ sphere or referenceἀργύριον: 'silver / silver money'; renders Hebrew כֶּסֶף (kesep); the enumeration livestock–silver–gold reflects the hierarchy of wealth in the ancient Near Eastern economy.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (list)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
χρυσίῳin goldDativedative of respect (list conclusion)→ sphere or referenceχρυσίον: 'gold / gold objects'; renders Hebrew זָהָב (zāhāb); the triad livestock–silver–gold reappears at Gen 24:35 in the summary of Abraham's wealth; silver and gold figure prominently in the preceding Egypt episode (12:16).
3
καὶ ἐπορεύθη ὅθεν ἦλθεν εἰς τὴν ἔρημον ἕως Βαιθηλ, ἕως τοῦ τόπου οὗ ἦν ἡ σκηνὴ αὐτοῦ τὸ πρότερον, ἀνὰ μέσον Βαιθηλ καὶ ἀνὰ μέσον Αγγαι,
And he traveled from where he had come, into the wilderness as far as Bethel, as far as the place where his tent had been before, between Bethel and between Ai,
A resumptive καί-chain continues the itinerary begun in v.1. The destination is described by a relative clause ('the place where his tent had been before') rather than a fresh toponym, deliberately evoking 12:8 and framing the return as theological: Abram goes back to where he began — back to worship. The phrase ἀνὰ μέσον … καὶ ἀνὰ μέσον is a Hebraistic periphrasis for 'between X and Y' (Hebrew בֵּין … וּבֵין).
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (sequential action, καί-parataxis)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπορεύθηhe traveledAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb (narrative action)→ constative aorist (single completed journey)πορεύομαι: 'go / travel / journey'; deponent passive in form; renders Hebrew וַיֵּלֶךְ (wayyēlek, 'and he went'); the repeated use of this verb throughout Genesis for the patriarchs' journeys gives it almost a technical sense of covenant pilgrimage.
ὅθενfrom whererelative adverb of place (origin: 'from the place from which')→ clausal contributionὅθεν: 'from where / whence'; a relative adverb governing the clause ἦλθεν; the phrase ὅθεν ἦλθεν ('from where he had come') = from the Negeb / wilderness region, the direction of Egypt.
ἦλθενhe had comeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιverb in relative clause (antecedent action)→ constative aorist (the prior journey to the Negeb)ἔρχομαι: 'come / go'; the aorist in the relative clause functions pluperfectly in context ('from where he had come'), rendering the Hebrew qal perfect.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔρημονwildernessAccusativeaccusative of direction (toward the Negeb-steppe)→ object specificationἔρημος: as at v.1; again rendering הַנֶּגֶב (Negeb).
ἕωςas far aspreposition + genitive (extent of journey: 'as far as Bethel')→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'until / as far as'; with genitive of extent; the double ἕως (as far as Bethel … as far as the place) progressively pins the destination.
ΒαιθηλBethelgenitive (object of ἕως, indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΒαιθηλ: LXX transliteration of Hebrew בֵּית־אֵל (Bêt-ʾĒl, 'house of God'); the site where Abram built his first altar in Canaan (12:8) and where Jacob will later encounter God (28:11–19). Indeclinable.
ἕωςas far aspreposition + genitive (second extent clause)→ spatial or relational framingἕως: meaning 'as far as'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (second extent clause).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τόπουplaceGenitivegenitive (object of ἕως: 'as far as the place')→ relational specificationτόπος: 'place / location'; in LXX/Genesis τόπος frequently designates theologically marked sites — a location becomes a τόπος when God acts or is worshipped there (cf. 12:6; 22:3–4; 28:11).
οὗwhererelative adverb / genitive of place (relative clause: 'where his tent had been')→ participant referenceοὗ: meaning 'where'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as relative adverb / genitive of place (relative clause: 'where his tent had been').
ἦνhad beenImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίverb in relative clause (stative past)→ imperfect of past ongoing state (the tent was there previously)εἰμί: stative verb; the imperfect renders a past ongoing location.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνὴtentNominativesubject of relative clause→ participant prominenceσκηνή: 'tent / tabernacle'; the patriarchs dwell in tents as nomads; σκηνή later becomes the LXX word for the Tabernacle (Exod 25ff.), giving the patriarch's dwelling a proleptic resonance.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with adverbial accusative)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρότερονbefore / previouslyAccusativeadverbial accusative (temporal: 'previously, before')→ object specificationπρότερον: 'before / formerly'; neuter adjective used adverbially; renders Hebrew בָּרִאשֹׁנָה ('at first / previously'); the phrase deliberately echoes 12:8, tying this return to the original act of Abram entering the land.
ἀνὰbetweenpreposition (in distributive idiom ἀνὰ μέσον = 'between')→ spatial or relational framingἀνὰ μέσον: a Hebraistic periphrasis for 'between,' calquing Hebrew בֵּין; ἀνά alone does not mean 'between' in classical Greek but the idiom is established in the LXX as a rendering of this Hebrew preposition.
μέσονmiddle [of]Accusativeaccusative in adverbial phrase (ἀνὰ μέσον = 'between')→ object specificationμέσος: 'middle / midst'; with ἀνά forms the locative idiom 'in the middle of / between.'
ΒαιθηλBethelgenitive (object of ἀνὰ μέσον, first landmark)→ participant identificationΒαιθηλ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive (object of ἀνὰ μέσον, first landmark).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (between landmarks)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνὰbetweenpreposition (in distributive idiom, repeated with second landmark)→ spatial or relational framingἀνὰ: meaning 'between'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition (in distributive idiom, repeated with second landmark).
μέσονmiddle [of]Accusativeaccusative in adverbial phrase (second ἀνὰ μέσον)→ object specificationμέσον: meaning 'middle [of]'; it serves as accusative in adverbial phrase (second ἀνὰ μέσον).
ΑγγαιAigenitive (object of ἀνὰ μέσον, second landmark)→ participant identificationΑγγαι: LXX rendering of Hebrew הָעַי (hāʿAy, 'the ruin'); a city near Bethel (cf. Josh 7–8); indeclinable proper noun. The site between Bethel and Ai is identified in 12:8 as where Abram built his first altar.
4
εἰς τὸν τόπον τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου οὗ ἐποίησεν ἐκεῖ τὴν ἀρχήν· καὶ ἐπεκαλέσατο ἐκεῖ Αβραμ τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου.
to the place of the altar which he had made there at the beginning; and there Abram called on the name of the Lord.
Verse 4 completes the geographical description begun in v.3 and pivots to worship: ἐπεκαλέσατο τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου ('called on the name of the Lord') is a formulaic expression for personal covenant prayer and worship (cf. Gen 4:26; 12:8; 21:33; 26:25). The phrase τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου renders שֵׁם יְהוָה, with κύριος as the standard LXX substitution for the divine name; Abram's return to the altar functions as covenant renewal after the potentially compromising Egypt episode.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (continuation of journey from v.3)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (continuation of journey from v.3).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τόπονplaceAccusativeaccusative of direction (object of εἰς)→ object specificationτόπος: as at v.3; the theologically marked site of the altar; the definite article (τὸν τόπον) assumes the reader recognizes the site from 12:8.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θυσιαστηρίουaltarGenitivegenitive of definition / apposition ('the place, namely the altar-place')→ relational specificationθυσιαστήριον: 'altar'; renders Hebrew מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbēaḥ); the standard LXX word for the sacrificial altar; Abram builds altars at each new divine encounter (12:7, 8; 13:18; 22:9), marking the land with sites of worship.
οὗwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (genitive of place: 'where' / attracted to antecedent θυσιαστηρίου)→ relational specificationοὗ: meaning 'which'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as relative pronoun (genitive of place: 'where' / attracted to antecedent θυσιαστηρίου).
ἐποίησενhe had madeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωverb in relative clause (antecedent action)→ constative aorist (the prior altar-building of 12:8)ποιέω: 'make / do / perform'; here 'made / built' (an altar); the aorist in a relative clause functions as pluperfect in context ('which he had made'); renders Hebrew עָשָׂה (ʿāśâ).
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place (cataphoric reference to the Bethel-Ai site)→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: 'there'; renders Hebrew שָׁם (šām); deictic reference anchoring the worship to the specific site.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀρχήνbeginningAccusativeaccusative of time (adverbial: 'at the beginning / at first')→ object specificationἀρχή: 'beginning / origin / first time'; the accusative τὴν ἀρχήν functions temporally ('at first, initially'); renders Hebrew בַּתְּחִלָּה (battĕḥillâ); picks up on τὸ πρότερον in v.3 — both phrases mark this as the site of Abram's original entry.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (sequential action)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπεκαλέσατοcalled uponAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐπικαλέωmain verb (worship act)→ constative aorist (completed act of worship/prayer)ἐπικαλέω: 'call upon / invoke'; middle voice underscores personal engagement; ἐπεκαλέσατο τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου is the standard LXX formula for covenant worship / prayer (Gen 4:26; 12:8; 21:33; 26:25; cf. Joel 2:32 LXX, cited in Rom 10:13). The phrase renders Hebrew וַיִּקְרָא בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place (locating the act of worship)→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: meaning 'there'; it shapes time, manner, location, or discourse flow in the clause.
ΑβραμAbramsubject (indeclinable proper noun, fronted for clarity)→ participant identificationΑβραμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun, fronted for clarity).
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὄνομαnameAccusativeaccusative (direct object of ἐπεκαλέσατο)→ object specificationὄνομα: 'name'; τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου renders שֵׁם יְהוָה; in LXX theology the divine Name concentrates the divine presence and authority; 'calling on the Name' is the technical term for intercessory and devotional prayer.
κυρίουof the LordGenitivegenitive of possession / definition (the LORD's name)→ relational specificationκύριος: 'Lord'; the standard LXX substitution for the Tetragrammaton יְהוָה (YHWH); already established as the divine name in Genesis 2 onward in the LXX.
5
καὶ Λωτ δὲ τῷ πορευομένῳ μετὰ Αβραμ ἦν πρόβατα καὶ βόες καὶ σκηναί.
And Lot, who was traveling with Abram, also had sheep and cattle and tents.
The combination καὶ … δέ (a correlative 'and … also') introduces the parallel problem: Lot's parallel wealth mirrors Abram's. The dative τῷ πορευομένῳ μετὰ Αβραμ ('to the one traveling with Abram') is a participial phrase in dative-of-possession construction (ἦν + dative = 'X had'). This Hebraistic 'dative of possession' is common in LXX narrative (cf. Hebrew לֹו).
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (additive / correlative with δέ)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΛωτLotsubject (indeclinable proper noun, topic)→ participant identificationΛωτ: see v.1; reintroduced as the subject of the parallel wealth statement.
δὲalso / nowpostpositive conjunction (additive: καὶ … δέ = 'also')→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: in the combination καὶ … δέ the two particles together serve as a correlative 'and also / indeed also,' a construction found in Herodotus and common in the LXX.
τῷthe [one]Dativearticle (with participle in dative of possession construction)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πορευομένῳtravelingPres Mid Part Dat Sg Masc · πορεύομαιattributive participle (dative of possession: 'to the one who traveled')→ progressive participle (ongoing accompaniment)πορεύομαι: 'go / travel'; the participial phrase τῷ πορευομένῳ μετὰ Αβραμ identifies Lot by his relationship to Abram, emphasizing that his wealth was accumulated while accompanying the patriarch.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (accompaniment).
ΑβραμAbramgenitive (object of μετά, indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΑβραμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive (object of μετά, indeclinable proper noun).
ἦνhadImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (existential / dative of possession: 'there was to him')→ imperfect of ongoing state (Lot's standing wealth)εἰμί: the construction ἦν + dative person + nominative thing = 'he had X'; a Hebraistic dative of possession calquing Hebrew הָיָה לְ (hāyâ lĕ); very common in LXX narrative.
πρόβαταsheepNominativenominative (subject of existential ἦν: 'there were sheep to him')→ participant prominenceπρόβατον: 'sheep / small livestock'; renders Hebrew צֹאן (ṣōʾn, 'flock'); πρόβατα is the general word for small livestock including sheep and goats.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (list)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
βόεςcattleNominativenominative (list continuation: 'and cattle')→ participant prominenceβοῦς: 'ox / cow / cattle'; renders Hebrew בָּקָר (bāqār); large livestock complementing the πρόβατα; together they form the herding economy that generates the conflict in v.7.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (list)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σκηναίtentsNominativenominative (list conclusion: 'and tents')→ participant prominenceσκηνή: as at v.3; 'tents' here = the domestic establishment / household; the listing of animals and tents reflects the elements of nomadic wealth; cf. Job 1:3 LXX for a comparable wealth-inventory formula.
6
καὶ οὐκ ἐχώρει αὐτοὺς ἡ γῆ κατοικεῖν ἅμα, ὅτι ἦν ἡ ὕπαρξις αὐτῶν πολλὴ καὶ οὐκ ἐδύναντο κατοικεῖν ἅμα.
And the land could not contain them while dwelling together, because their possessions were many and they were not able to dwell together.
The verse explains the crisis with two near-parallel clauses, giving first the symptom (the land could not sustain them) then its cause (their possessions were great), followed by a restatement of the symptom — a tripartite Hebrew pattern of stating, grounding, and restating. The imperfect ἐχώρει denotes ongoing inability; οὐκ ἐδύναντο is likewise imperfect, underscoring the structural impossibility.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (sequential / causal)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegation particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐχώρειcould containImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · χωρέωmain verb (with subject ἡ γῆ and object αὐτούς)→ imperfect of continuing inabilityχωρέω: 'hold / have capacity for / contain'; renders Hebrew נָשָׂא (nāśāʾ, 'bear / carry / sustain') in the idiom לֹא נָשָׂא אֹתָם הָאָרֶץ ('the land could not bear/sustain them'); the LXX renders the Hebrew idiom with a Greek verb of spatial capacity.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativeaccusative (direct object of ἐχώρει: the land could not contain them)→ participant referenceαὐτοὺς: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative (direct object of ἐχώρει: the land could not contain them).
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆlandNominativesubject→ participant prominenceγῆ: 'land / earth'; ἡ γῆ here refers to the territory/pastureland available, not the whole earth; the problem is ecological: carrying capacity exhausted.
κατοικεῖνto dwellPres Act Inf · κατοικέωinfinitive (purpose / circumstantial: 'so as to dwell')→ progressive infinitive (ongoing dwelling)κατοικέω: 'dwell / inhabit / settle'; renders Hebrew לָשֶׁבֶת (lāšebet, 'to dwell/settle'); the infinitive here is circumstantial or epexegetical — 'could not contain them [in] dwelling together.'
ἅμαtogetheradverb (manner: 'together / at the same time')→ clausal contributionἅμα: 'together / at the same time'; renders Hebrew יַחְדָּו (yaḥdāw); the word encapsulates the problem — shared space is the issue.
ὅτιbecausesubordinating conjunction (causal: explaining the inability)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because / that'; here causal, introducing the reason for the land's incapacity.
ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb of causal clause (stative background)→ imperfect of ongoing stateεἰμί: stative; ἦν … πολλή = 'was great/many.'
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὕπαρξιςpossessionsNominativesubject of causal clause→ participant prominenceὕπαρξις: 'property / possessions / substance'; renders Hebrew רְכוּשׁ (rĕkûš, 'property / wealth'); a relatively rare word in the LXX, chosen here to encompass all moveable wealth.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
πολλὴgreat / muchNominativepredicate adjective→ participant prominenceπολύς: 'much / great / many'; with singular noun 'their property was great'; renders Hebrew רַב (rab).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (resuming main clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegation particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐδύναντοthey were ableImpf Mid Indic 3 Pl · δύναμαιmain verb (resuming statement of impossibility)→ imperfect of ongoing inabilityδύναμαι: 'be able / can'; the imperfect οὐκ ἐδύναντο restates the impossibility of v.6a; the repetition (land could not / they could not) gives emphatic closure to the problem statement.
κατοικεῖνto dwellPres Act Inf · κατοικέωcomplementary infinitive (object of ἐδύναντο)→ progressive infinitiveκατοικέω: repeated from first clause; the repetition is a Hebraistic inclusio of the verse.
ἅμαtogetheradverb (manner, repeated from first clause: emphatic conclusion)→ clausal contributionἅμα: meaning 'together'; it shapes the local clause or phrase relation in this passage.
7
καὶ ἐγένετο μάχη ἀνὰ μέσον τῶν ποιμένων τῶν κτηνῶν τοῦ Αβραμ καὶ ἀνὰ μέσον τῶν ποιμένων τῶν κτηνῶν τοῦ Λωτ. οἱ δὲ Χαναναῖοι καὶ οἱ Φερεζαῖοι τότε κατῴκουν τὴν γῆν.
And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. Now the Canaanites and the Perizzites were then dwelling in the land.
καὶ ἐγένετο introduces the focal problem — strife — in classic LXX narrative formula. The second sentence is a parenthetical historical note (οἱ δὲ Χαναναῖοι … τότε κατῴκουν), signalling that Abram and Lot's quarrel is witnessed by the indigenous population; this detail heightens the theological stakes: covenant people must not disgrace themselves before the nations (a concern expressed later in patriarchal narrative). The imperfect κατῴκουν is background state.
Word-by-word analysis· 30 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγένετοthere wasAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (existential narrative formula)→ ingressive aorist (onset of the strife)γίνομαι: καὶ ἐγένετο renders וַיְהִי; here the formula introduces the conflict that drives the separation narrative.
μάχηstrife / quarrelNominativesubject (predicate nominative with existential ἐγένετο)→ participant prominenceμάχη: 'fight / quarrel / strife'; renders Hebrew רִיב (rîb, 'contention / legal dispute / quarrel'); in the LXX μάχη covers a range from verbal disputation to armed conflict; here it is a pastoral dispute over grazing rights.
ἀνὰbetweenpreposition in Hebraistic idiom (ἀνὰ μέσον = 'between')→ spatial or relational framingἀνὰ μέσον: as at v.3; the repeated use of this idiom in vv.3, 7, 8 is a stylistic marker of the LXX of Genesis.
μέσονmiddle [of]Accusativeaccusative in adverbial phrase→ object specificationμέσον: meaning 'middle [of]'; it serves as accusative in adverbial phrase.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποιμένωνherdsmenGenitivegenitive (object of ἀνὰ μέσον: 'between the herdsmen')→ relational specificationποιμήν: 'shepherd / herdsman'; renders Hebrew רֹעֶה (rōʿeh); the word carries a wider semantic range in the LXX — shepherd of God's flock is a common metaphor for leaders (cf. Ps 22; John 10); here its literal use grounds the narrative in pastoral economics.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κτηνῶνlivestockGenitivegenitive of definition (whose herdsmen: 'the herdsmen of the livestock of Abram')→ relational specificationκτῆνος: as at v.2; 'livestock'; the genitive chain ποιμένων τῶν κτηνῶν τοῦ Αβραμ stacks three genitives in the Semitic fashion.
τοῦofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑβραμAbramgenitive of possession (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΑβραμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of possession (indeclinable proper noun).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνὰbetweenpreposition in Hebraistic idiom (second ἀνὰ μέσον of the pair)→ spatial or relational framingἀνὰ: meaning 'between'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition in Hebraistic idiom (second ἀνὰ μέσον of the pair).
μέσονmiddle [of]Accusativeaccusative in adverbial phrase→ object specificationμέσον: meaning 'middle [of]'; it serves as accusative in adverbial phrase.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποιμένωνherdsmenGenitivegenitive (object of second ἀνὰ μέσον)→ relational specificationποιμένων: meaning 'herdsmen'; it serves as genitive (object of second ἀνὰ μέσον).
τῶνof theGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κτηνῶνlivestockGenitivegenitive of definition→ relational specificationκτηνῶν: meaning 'livestock'; it serves as genitive of definition.
τοῦofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛωτLotgenitive of possession (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΛωτ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of possession (indeclinable proper noun).
οἱtheNominativearticle (opening parenthetical note)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲnowpostpositive conjunction (introducing parenthetical historical note)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'now'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΧαναναῖοιCanaanitesNominativesubject of parenthetical clause→ participant identificationΧαναναῖοι: 'Canaanites'; LXX gentilic from Χανάαν; the indigenous pre-Israelite population of the land; their presence as witnesses gives moral urgency to Abram's peacemaking gesture.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (list)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΦερεζαῖοιPerizzitesNominativesubject (list continuation)→ participant identificationΦερεζαῖοι: 'Perizzites'; LXX rendering of Hebrew פְּרִזִּי (pĕrizzî); a pre-Israelite people of Canaan, frequently paired with the Canaanites in the land-lists (Exod 3:8; Deut 7:1).
τότεthen / at that timetemporal adverb (marking historical past)→ adverbial qualificationτότε: 'then / at that time'; renders Hebrew אָז (ʾāz); the word signals to the reader that the Canaanites/Perizzites are a past historical reality — the narrator writes from a post-conquest perspective.
κατῴκουνwere dwellingImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · κατοικέωmain verb of parenthetical clause (background state)→ imperfect of ongoing habitation (durative background)κατοικέω: 'dwell / inhabit'; the imperfect renders the background condition of the land prior to Israel's possession; the same root as in vv.6 and 12.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆνlandAccusativeaccusative (direct object of κατῴκουν)→ object specificationγῆ: 'land'; the promised land is here occupied by others — the irony the whole Abrahamic narrative lives within.
8
εἶπεν δὲ Αβραμ τῷ Λωτ· Μὴ ἔστω μάχη ἀνὰ μέσον ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ καὶ ἀνὰ μέσον τῶν ποιμένων μου καὶ τῶν ποιμένων σου, ὅτι ἄνθρωποι ἀδελφοί ἐσμεν ἡμεῖς.
And Abram said to Lot, 'Let there be no strife between me and you and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.'
Abram takes the initiative — the verb εἶπεν opens direct speech, signalled by the colon in the LXX convention. The jussive μὴ ἔστω ('let there not be') is a prohibitive request rather than a command. The grounding clause ὅτι ἄνθρωποι ἀδελφοί ἐσμεν ἡμεῖς ('for we are men who are brothers / kinsmen') is the rhetorical and moral pivot of the chapter: kinship obligates peace. ἀδελφοί here renders Hebrew אַנְשֵׁי אַחִים ('men who are brothers'), meaning 'kinsmen'; the term applies to uncle–nephew relationship as well as brothers in Hebrew usage.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introducing verb)→ constative aorist (single speech act)λέγω: 'say / speak'; the standard narrative speech-introduction verb in LXX; renders Hebrew וַיֹּאמֶר (wayyōʾmer).
δὲand / nowpostpositive conjunction (scene continuation)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΑβραμAbramsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΑβραμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
τῷtoDativearticle (dative with λέγω: indirect object marker)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛωτLotdative (indirect object of εἶπεν, indeclinable)→ participant identificationΛωτ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as dative (indirect object of εἶπεν, indeclinable).
Μὴnotnegation particle (with imperative/jussive: prohibitive)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: negates imperatives and subjunctives (as opposed to οὐ for indicatives); here with the 3rd-person imperative ἔστω.
ἔστωlet there bePres Act Impv 3 Sg · εἰμίimperative / jussive (prohibitive: 'let there not be')→ imperative of desired stateεἰμί: 3rd-person imperative ἔστω ('let there be'); μὴ ἔστω = 'let there not be / may there be no'; renders the Hebrew jussive form אַל־יְהִי.
μάχηstrifeNominativesubject of jussive (what Abram wills not to be)→ participant prominenceμάχη: repeating v.7 — Abram directly names the problem he seeks to resolve.
ἀνὰbetweenpreposition (first ἀνὰ μέσον pair)→ spatial or relational framingἀνὰ: meaning 'between'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition (first ἀνὰ μέσον pair).
μέσονmiddle [of]Accusativeaccusative in adverbial phrase→ object specificationμέσον: meaning 'middle [of]'; it serves as accusative in adverbial phrase.
ἐμοῦmeGenitivegenitive (object of ἀνὰ μέσον, emphatic first-person pronoun)→ relational specificationἐμοῦ: meaning 'me'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive (object of ἀνὰ μέσον, emphatic first-person pronoun).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (between the two persons)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σοῦyouGenitivegenitive (second person in the ἀνὰ μέσον construction)→ relational specificationσοῦ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive (second person in the ἀνὰ μέσον construction).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (extending to herdsmen)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνὰbetweenpreposition (second ἀνὰ μέσον pair)→ spatial or relational framingἀνὰ: meaning 'between'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition (second ἀνὰ μέσον pair).
μέσονmiddle [of]Accusativeaccusative in adverbial phrase→ object specificationμέσον: meaning 'middle [of]'; it serves as accusative in adverbial phrase.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποιμένωνherdsmenGenitivegenitive (object of ἀνὰ μέσον)→ relational specificationποιμένων: meaning 'herdsmen'; it serves as genitive (object of ἀνὰ μέσον).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationμου: meaning 'my'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποιμένωνherdsmenGenitivegenitive (object of ἀνὰ μέσον, second term)→ relational specificationποιμένων: meaning 'herdsmen'; it serves as genitive (object of ἀνὰ μέσον, second term).
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὅτιfor / becausesubordinating conjunction (causal: grounding the appeal)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: causal, introducing the grounds for the non-strife appeal.
ἄνθρωποιmen / peopleNominativepredicate nominative (part of predicate: 'men who are brothers')→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: 'human being / man'; renders Hebrew אַנְשֵׁי; the phrase ἄνθρωποι ἀδελφοί calques the Hebrew construct אַנְשֵׁי אַחִים ('men of brothers'), meaning 'kinsmen.' The LXX renders the construct idiom as two Greek nominatives.
ἀδελφοίbrothers / kinsmenNominativepredicate nominative (appositive: 'we are men — brothers')→ participant prominenceἀδελφός: 'brother'; here in the broader Semitic sense of 'kinsman / relative'; Abram and Lot are uncle and nephew (Gen 11:27), not literal brothers; the term underscores the kinship obligation that mandates peace.
ἐσμενwe arePres Act Indic 1 Pl · εἰμίmain verb of causal clause→ gnomic present (permanent fact of kinship)εἰμί: 1st pl. present; the clause is a permanent relational truth rather than a temporal observation.
ἡμεῖςweNominativenominative pronoun (emphatic: 'we ourselves are kinsmen')→ participant referenceἡμεῖς: meaning 'we'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as nominative pronoun (emphatic: 'we ourselves are kinsmen').
9
οὐκ ἰδοὺ πᾶσα ἡ γῆ ἐναντίον σού ἐστιν; διαχωρίσθητι ἀπ᾿ ἐμοῦ· εἰ σὺ εἰς ἀριστερά, ἐγὼ εἰς δεξιά· εἰ δὲ σὺ εἰς δεξιά, ἐγὼ εἰς ἀριστερά.
Is not all the land before you? Separate from me: if you go to the left, I will go to the right; but if you go to the right, I will go to the left.
Abram's offer consists of three moves: a rhetorical question (affirming the land's vastness), a direct imperative (διαχωρίσθητι, 'separate yourself'), and a chiastic choice-formula (left/right :: right/left). The double εἰ construction creates a perfectly symmetrical binary: whatever Lot chooses, Abram takes the remainder. The magnanimity is theological — Abram does not exploit his seniority but defers, trusting the LORD to fulfil his promise regardless of which parcel remains. ἰδοὺ is a Hebraistic deictic marker (Hebrew הִנֵּה), used here to direct Lot's gaze to the panorama.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
οὐκnotnegation particle (introducing rhetorical question expecting 'yes' answer)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: with ἰδοὺ in an interrogative construction; οὐκ ἰδοὺ = 'is it not the case that — look!' The combination of negation and ἰδοὺ creates an emphatic affirmative rhetorical question.
ἰδοὺlook / beholdinterjection / deictic particle (directing attention)→ discourse linkage or contrastἰδοὺ: 'behold / look'; the frozen aorist imperative of ὁράω used as an interjection; calques Hebrew הִנֵּה (hinnēh), one of the most characteristic Hebraisms in the LXX; signals a shift in attention or a new and important item in view (cf. 13:14).
πᾶσαallNominativepredicate adjective / subject modifier→ attributive qualificationπᾶς: 'all / whole'; πᾶσα ἡ γῆ = 'all the land / the whole land.'
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆlandNominativesubject of rhetorical question→ participant prominenceγῆ: the entire land of Canaan and its environs is gestured to — Abram's offer is panoramic.
ἐναντίονbefore / in front ofpreposition + genitive (positional: 'before you')→ spatial or relational framingἐναντίον: 'before / in front of / in the presence of'; renders Hebrew לְפָנֶיךָ (lĕpānêkā, 'before your face'); ἐναντίον + genitive is a common Hebraistic phrase in the LXX.
σούyouGenitivegenitive (object of ἐναντίον)→ relational specificationσού: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive (object of ἐναντίον).
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb of rhetorical question (existential / locative)→ gnomic present (panoramic fact)εἰμί: 'is'; the rhetorical question 'is not the whole land before you?' expects the answer 'yes!' — it is a horizon of possibility Abram opens for Lot.
διαχωρίσθητιseparate yourselfAor Pass Impv 2 Sg · διαχωρίζωmain verb (imperative / direct command)→ imperative (urgent summons to action)διαχωρίζω: 'separate / part / divide'; the passive imperative here functions reflexively ('separate yourself from me'); renders Hebrew הִפָּרֶד (hippārēd, Niphal 'separate yourself'); the same root as the divine act of separation (בָּדַל) in creation.
ἀπ᾿frompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: elided before smooth breathing.
ἐμοῦmeGenitivegenitive of separation (object of ἀπό)→ participial qualificationἐμοῦ: meaning 'me'; it contributes descriptive or attendant verbal force; here it functions as genitive of separation (object of ἀπό).
εἰifconditional conjunction (first branch of binary choice)→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: 'if'; introduces a simple first-class conditional (open / neutral condition); the symmetrical double εἰ construction renders Hebrew אִם … וְאִם.
σὺyouNominativesubject of conditional clause (emphatic pronoun)→ participant referenceσὺ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject of conditional clause (emphatic pronoun).
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (directional: 'to the left')→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (directional: 'to the left').
ἀριστεράleftAccusativeaccusative of direction (object of εἰς)→ object specificationἀριστερά: 'left (hand / side)'; renders Hebrew שְׂמֹאול (śĕmōʾûl); in the ancient orientation system facing east, left = north; right = south.
ἐγὼINominativesubject of apodosis (emphatic pronoun: contrast with σύ)→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject of apodosis (emphatic pronoun: contrast with σύ).
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (directional, apodosis)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (directional, apodosis).
δεξιάrightAccusativeaccusative of direction (apodosis)→ object specificationδεξιός: 'right (hand / side)'; renders Hebrew יָמִין (yāmîn); south in the ancient orientation system.
εἰifconditional conjunction (second branch, mirror of first)→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δὲbut / andpostpositive conjunction (introducing second branch: mild adversative)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σὺyouNominativesubject of conditional clause→ participant referenceσὺ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject of conditional clause.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (directional)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (directional).
δεξιάrightAccusativeaccusative of direction (second conditional protasis)→ object specificationδεξιά: meaning 'right'; it serves as accusative of direction (second conditional protasis).
ἐγὼINominativesubject of apodosis (emphatic)→ participant referenceἐγὼ: meaning 'I'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject of apodosis (emphatic).
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (directional, apodosis)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (directional, apodosis).
ἀριστεράleftAccusativeaccusative of direction (apodosis: chiastic mirror of first branch)→ object specificationἀριστερά: the chiasm left/right → right/left creates perfect symmetry, enacting in speech Abram's posture of genuine indifference to which portion he receives.
10
καὶ ἐπάρας Λωτ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ εἶδεν πᾶσαν τὴν περίχωρον τοῦ Ιορδάνου ὅτι πᾶσα ἦν κατεψυγμένη πρὸ τοῦ καταστρέψαι τὸν θεὸν Σοδομα καὶ Γομορρα, ὡς ὁ παράδεισος τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ ὡς ἡ γῆ Αἰγύπτου ἕως ἐλθεῖν εἰς Ζογορα.
And Lot, lifting up his eyes, saw all the surrounding region of the Jordan, that it was all well-watered — before God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah — like the paradise of God and like the land of Egypt, as far as Zoar.
The participial phrase ἐπάρας Λωτ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς ('Lot lifting his eyes') is a Hebraism — Hebrew וַיִּשָּׂא לוֹט אֶת־עֵינָיו — signalling a deliberate act of surveying. The comparison ὡς ὁ παράδεισος τοῦ θεοῦ is the chapter's central crux: παράδεισος here echoes the Garden of Eden (Gen 2–3 LXX), creating an ironic intertextual comparison — Lot's attractive choice of what looks like paradise mirrors the original fatal preference for what seemed good (Gen 3:6: εἶδεν ἡ γυνὴ ὅτι καλόν). The narrator's parenthesis πρὸ τοῦ καταστρέψαι τὸν θεόν ('before God overthrew') makes the tragic irony explicit: what Lot saw as paradise is under divine judgment.
Word-by-word analysis· 38 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπάραςlifting upAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · ἐπαίρωadverbial participle (attendant circumstance / antecedent action)→ constative aorist participle (action immediately preceding εἶδεν)ἐπαίρω: 'lift up / raise'; ἐπάρας τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς ('lifting up his eyes') is a Hebraism calquing נָשָׂא עֵינַיִם (nāśāʾ ʿênayim); it signals a deliberate, comprehensive survey of the landscape; cf. Gen 18:2; 22:4, 13; 24:63.
ΛωτLotsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΛωτ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀφθαλμοὺςeyesAccusativeaccusative (direct object of ἐπάρας)→ object specificationὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; in the idiom ἐπαίρω τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς the word is part of the Hebraistic formula, not independently significant.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
εἶδενsawAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὁράωmain verb (decisive perception leading to choice)→ constative aorist (single act of vision / choosing)ὁράω: 'see / perceive'; the aorist εἶδεν renders וַיַּרְא (wayyarʾ); in the Eden echo of Gen 3:6 (εἶδεν ἡ γυνὴ ὅτι καλόν) 'seeing' similarly precedes a choice with disastrous consequences; the intertextual parallel is deliberate.
πᾶσανallAccusativemodifier of direct object→ attributive qualificationπᾶσαν: meaning 'all'; it serves as modifier of direct object.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
περίχωρονsurrounding regionAccusativeaccusative (direct object of εἶδεν)→ object specificationπερίχωρος: 'surrounding region / plain'; renders Hebrew כִּכַּר (kikkār, 'circle / disk / round region'), the technical term for the Jordan valley/plain; the περίχωρος τοῦ Ιορδάνου is the Jordan Rift Valley, notably fertile in antiquity.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΙορδάνουJordanGenitivegenitive of definition (the Jordan-region)→ participant identificationΙορδάνης: LXX rendering of Hebrew הַיַּרְדֵּן (hayyardēn, 'the Jordan'); the great river of the Syro-African Rift Valley; indeclinable in some forms.
ὅτιthatsubordinating conjunction (indirect discourse: 'he saw that …')→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: here recitative, introducing the content of what Lot perceived.
πᾶσαallNominativesubject modifier (subject of indirect discourse clause)→ attributive qualificationπᾶσα: meaning 'all'; it serves as subject modifier (subject of indirect discourse clause).
ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίverb of indirect discourse clause (existential / stative)→ imperfect of ongoing state (the region's general condition)εἰμί: with κατεψυγμένη as predicate; the imperfect marks the region's standing state of irrigation/fertility.
κατεψυγμένηwell-wateredPerf Pass Part Nom Sg Fem · καταψύχωpredicate participle (perfect passive: resultant state)→ perfect passive participle (enduring state of being irrigated)καταψύχω: literally 'cooled down / refreshed'; in this context the perfect passive participle means 'thoroughly watered / irrigated'; renders Hebrew מַשְׁקֶה (mašqeh, 'watered / irrigated'); an unusual LXX choice — the water-table of the Jordan plain made it resemble an irrigated garden.
πρὸbeforepreposition + articular infinitive (temporal: 'before God overthrew')→ spatial or relational framingπρό: 'before (in time)'; with the genitive articular infinitive τοῦ καταστρέψαι constructs a temporal clause: 'before the overthrowing by God.'
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with infinitive, genitive after πρό)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καταστρέψαιto overthrowAor Act Inf · καταστρέφωarticular infinitive (temporal: 'before the overthrowing')→ aorist infinitive (single decisive future event, from narrative past)καταστρέφω: 'overturn / overthrow / destroy'; renders Hebrew הֲפֹךְ (hāpōk, 'overturn'); the verb used throughout Genesis for the divine judgment on Sodom (cf. 19:25, 29); its noun form καταστροφή appears in 2 Pet 2:6 describing the same event.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with subject of infinitive in accusative)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸνGodAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitive→ object specificationθεός: 'God'; subject of καταστρέψαι in the accusative-infinitive construction; the narrator identifies the coming destruction as God's direct act.
ΣοδομαSodomaccusative (direct object of καταστρέψαι, indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΣοδομα: LXX rendering of Hebrew סְדֹם (Sĕdōm); one of the cities of the plain; its destruction in Gen 19 is one of the most significant divine judgments in Genesis; indeclinable.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΓομορραGomorrahaccusative (second object of καταστρέψαι, indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΓομορρα: LXX rendering of Hebrew עֲמֹרָה (ʿĂmōrâ, Gomorrah); paired with Sodom throughout the prophetic and NT tradition as a paradigm of divine judgment on wickedness (cf. Isa 1:9–10; Amos 4:11; Matt 10:15; Rom 9:29; 2 Pet 2:6; Jude 7).
ὡςlikecomparative particle (introducing the 'paradise of God' simile)→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: 'as / like'; introduces the double simile; the comparison with paradise and Egypt encapsulates everything attractive about the Jordan plain.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παράδεισοςparadise / gardenNominativenominative (subject of comparative clause: 'like the paradise of God is')→ participant prominenceπαράδεισος: an Old Persian loanword (pardēs, 'enclosed park / royal garden') via Aramaic; adopted by the LXX as its standard rendering of גַּן עֵדֶן (the Garden of Eden) in Gen 2–3 and of cultivated gardens generally; here the comparison ὡς ὁ παράδεισος τοῦ θεοῦ explicitly evokes the Eden narrative, casting Lot's choice as a tragic repetition of Adam and Eve's preference for the attractive and fatal. The word παράδεισος entered NT Greek and became the standard term for the eschatological dwelling of God (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor 12:4; Rev 2:7).
τοῦofGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of possession / divine genitive ('God's paradise')→ relational specificationθεός: the genitive θεοῦ makes this the divine garden, distinguishing it from ordinary gardens; in Hebrew usage 'of God' in such constructions often functions as a superlative ('the most magnificent garden / a garden of divine excellence').
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (joining the two similes)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὡςlikecomparative particle (second simile)→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: meaning 'like'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆlandNominativenominative (subject of second comparative clause)→ participant prominenceγῆ: the land of Egypt was famous in antiquity for the Nile's annual flood and the extraordinary fertility it produced; to a Semitic reader, Egypt was the archetype of agricultural abundance; Lot's Jordan plain is compared to it.
Αἰγύπτουof EgyptGenitivegenitive of identification→ participant identificationΑἴγυπτος: as at v.1; the comparison recalls Abram's recent time in Egypt and functions as an ironic contrast: Abram returned from Egypt, Lot's choice draws him toward what Egypt-like fertility conceals — divine judgment.
ἕωςas far aspreposition + articular infinitive (extent: 'as far as Zoar')→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'as far as / until'; here governing the infinitive ἐλθεῖν in a clause of spatial extent.
ἐλθεῖνto come / reachingAor Act Inf · ἔρχομαιarticular infinitive (extent clause: 'until you reach Zoar')→ aorist infinitive (point of arrival)ἔρχομαι: 'come / arrive'; ἕως ἐλθεῖν εἰς Ζογορα = 'as far as one reaches Zoar / all the way to Zoar'; a common LXX formula of geographical extent.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (direction of arrival)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of arrival).
ΖογοραZoaraccusative (object of εἰς, indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΖογορα: LXX transliteration of Hebrew צֹעַר (Ṣōʿar, 'smallness'); one of the five cities of the plain; later the city Lot flees to in 19:20–22 when Sodom is destroyed; the name Ζογορα (and alternative Σηγωρ) appears in Genesis 14 and 19.
11
καὶ ἐξελέξατο ἑαυτῷ Λωτ πᾶσαν τὴν περίχωρον τοῦ Ιορδάνου, καὶ ἀπῆρεν Λωτ ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν, καὶ διεχωρίσθησαν ἕκαστος ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ.
And Lot chose for himself all the surrounding region of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed from the east, and they were separated each from his brother.
The decisive verb is ἐξελέξατο ἑαυτῷ — 'chose for himself' — with the reflexive pronoun ἑαυτῷ emphasizing self-regarding choice. The verb echoes the Edenic 'choosing what was good' (cf. Gen 3:6 LXX). The double-clause ending διεχωρίσθησαν ἕκαστος ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ ('they were separated each from his brother') gives the separation a relational finality, using ἀδελφός ('brother / kinsman') — the very word Abram used in his appeal (v.8) to argue against separation.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξελέξατοchoseAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐκλέγωmain verb (decisive choice)→ constative aorist (single act of selection)ἐκλέγω: 'choose / select / elect'; the middle ἐξελέξατο intensifies the self-regarding nature of the act ('chose for himself'); renders Hebrew וַיִּבְחַר (wayyibḥar, 'and he chose'); a theologically loaded verb — ἐκλέγω is the standard LXX term for divine election; its application here to Lot's self-selection is ironic.
ἑαυτῷfor himselfDativedative of advantage / reflexive (intensifying self-interest)→ participial qualificationἑαυτοῦ: reflexive pronoun; the dative ἑαυτῷ with the middle verb underscores self-serving motivation; the grammar enacts the selfishness of the choice.
ΛωτLotsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΛωτ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
πᾶσανallAccusativemodifier of direct object→ attributive qualificationπᾶσαν: meaning 'all'; it serves as modifier of direct object.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
περίχωρονsurrounding regionAccusativeaccusative (direct object of ἐξελέξατο)→ object specificationπερίχωρος: as at v.10; the entirety of the Jordan plain — Lot takes it all.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΙορδάνουJordanGenitivegenitive of definition→ participant identificationΙορδάνου: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as genitive of definition.
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπῆρενjourneyed / set outAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀπαίρωmain verb (departure)→ constative aorist (completed departure)ἀπαίρω: 'depart / set out / move away'; renders Hebrew וַיִּסַּע (wayyissaʿ, 'and he journeyed / broke camp'); the verb of the nomadic journey, used of tent-breaking-up and onward movement.
ΛωτLotsubject (repeated for clarity after second καί)→ participant identificationΛωτ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (repeated for clarity after second καί).
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (direction from / point of departure)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (direction from / point of departure).
ἀνατολῶνthe eastGenitivegenitive (object of ἀπό: 'from the east')→ relational specificationἀνατολή: 'east / rising (of the sun)'; the plural ἀνατολῶν is a standard LXX plural of direction ('from the east'); renders Hebrew מִקֶּדֶם (miqqedem, 'from the east' or 'eastward'); in Genesis, movement eastward often signals departure from God's presence (Gen 3:24; 4:16; 11:2).
καὶandnarrative conjunction (finalizing the separation)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
διεχωρίσθησανwere separatedAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · διαχωρίζωmain verb (resultant state: the separation achieved)→ constative aorist (the separation as a completed fact)διαχωρίζω: 'separate / divide / part'; passive here ('they were separated'); the same root Abram used in his imperative διαχωρίσθητι (v.9) — Lot's departure fulfils Abram's request, but the passive form of the verb with the note on kinship gives a tone of loss rather than mere logistics.
ἕκαστοςeachNominativesubject in apposition (distributive: 'each from his kinsman')→ participant prominenceἕκαστος: 'each / each one'; distributive pronoun; ἕκαστος ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ = 'each one from his brother.'
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδελφοῦbrother / kinsmanGenitivegenitive of separation (object of ἀπό)→ relational specificationἀδελφός: 'brother / kinsman'; the word Abram used in his kinship-appeal (v.8) now appears as the closing note of the separation — the bond of kinship (ἀδελφοί ἐσμεν, v.8) is not broken but stretched by geography.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
12
Αβραμ δὲ κατῴκησεν ἐν γῇ Χανάαν, Λωτ δὲ κατῴκησεν ἐν πόλει τῶν περιχώρων καὶ ἐσκήνωσεν ἐν Σοδόμοις.
Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in one of the cities of the surrounding region and pitched his tent near Sodom.
The double δέ structure (Αβραμ δέ … Λωτ δέ) is a classic Greek antithetical parallelism that the LXX adapts from the Hebrew contrast structure. The contrast is theological as much as geographical: Abram settles in Canaan (the promised land), Lot among the cities of the plain and specifically near Sodom. ἐσκήνωσεν ('pitched his tent') deliberately recalls σκηνή language from vv.3, 5, intensifying the ominous quality of Lot's proximity to Sodom, whose character the narrator will reveal in v.13.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ΑβραμAbramsubject (first branch of contrast)→ participant identificationΑβραμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (first branch of contrast).
δὲand / nowpostpositive conjunction (first δέ of contrast pair)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κατῴκησενdweltAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κατοικέωmain verb (settlement narrative)→ constative aorist (Abram's settled dwelling)κατοικέω: 'settle / dwell'; renders Hebrew וַיֵּשֶׁב (wayyēšeb, 'and he settled / dwelt'); Abram's settlement in the land of the promise — not the paradise-looking plain — is the theologically correct choice.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
γῇlandDativedative of place→ sphere or referenceγῆ: here without the article — ἐν γῇ Χανάαν = 'in the land of Canaan,' a fixed phrase.
ΧανάανCanaangenitive of definition (indeclinable proper noun: 'of Canaan')→ participant identificationΧανάαν: 'Canaan'; the land of promise; indeclinable in the LXX.
ΛωτLotsubject (second branch of contrast)→ participant identificationΛωτ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (second branch of contrast).
δὲbut / andpostpositive conjunction (second δέ of contrast pair: mild adversative)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κατῴκησενdweltAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κατοικέωmain verb (second branch of contrast)→ constative aoristκατοικέω: same verb used for both Abram and Lot, emphasizing the contrast of their respective locations rather than their activity.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
πόλειcityDativedative of place→ sphere or referenceπόλις: 'city / town'; Lot, who began as a tent-dweller (v.5), moves into the city — a trajectory away from the nomadic covenant life of Abram.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
περιχώρωνsurrounding regionGenitivegenitive of definition (the cities of the Jordan plain)→ relational specificationπερίχωρος: as at vv.10–11; 'in a city of the surrounding region' = in one of the cities of the Jordan plain.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (adding more specific information)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐσκήνωσενpitched his tentAor Act Indic 3 Sg · σκηνόωmain verb (more specific action: location near Sodom)→ constative aorist (the specific pitching near Sodom)σκηνόω: 'pitch a tent / dwell in a tent / encamp'; cognate of σκηνή ('tent'); Lot who had tents (σκηναί, v.5) now σκηνόω near Sodom — the verb choice recalls the nomadic word while noting proximity to the city of danger; cf. LXX Gen 26:17; the verb is used at Rev 7:15; 21:3 for God's eschatological dwelling.
ἐνnear / inpreposition + dative (location: near/at)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'near'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location: near/at).
ΣοδόμοιςSodomDativedative of place (location near Sodom)→ participant identificationΣοδόμοις: dative of Σόδομα (plural form used with ἐν for location); contrast v.10 where the nominative/accusative form Σοδομα appears; the narrator does not yet say Lot entered Sodom — he pitched his tent near it, a graduated approach that 14:12 and 19:1 show becoming full residence.
13
οἱ δὲ ἄνθρωποι οἱ ἐν Σοδόμοις πονηροὶ καὶ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἐναντίον τοῦ θεοῦ σφόδρα.
Now the men who were in Sodom were wicked and great sinners before God.
A verbless sentence in Greek (the copula ἦσαν is implied), a construction the LXX inherits from Hebrew's nominal sentence (יוֹשְׁבֵי סְדֹם). The double predicate πονηροὶ … ἁμαρτωλοί is intensive — wicked and sinners — heightened by σφόδρα ('exceedingly'). The phrase ἐναντίον τοῦ θεοῦ ('before God') is a Hebraism (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה) that makes the wickedness a direct affront to the divine. This verse is the theological sting in the tail of Lot's choice: his paradise is morally ruinous.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
οἱtheNominativearticle (subject of verbless clause)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲnowpostpositive conjunction (introducing ominous parenthesis)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'now'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἄνθρωποιmenNominativesubject (of verbless predication)→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: 'human being / man'; the men of Sodom are characterized as a group, anticipating the mob of Gen 19.
οἱthe [ones]Nominativearticle (with relative clause: οἱ ἐν Σοδόμοις = 'those in Sodom')→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location in the articular phrase)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location in the articular phrase).
ΣοδόμοιςSodomDativedative of place (as at v.12)→ participant identificationΣοδόμοις: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as dative of place (as at v.12).
πονηροὶwicked / evilNominativepredicate adjective (first of double predicate in verbless clause)→ participant prominenceπονηρός: 'evil / wicked / bad'; renders Hebrew רָעִים (rāʿîm, 'evil/bad persons'); πονηρός encompasses both moral evil and harm; in the LXX it is the standard antonym of ἀγαθός ('good'); its use here anticipates the 'evil' of the Sodomites' actions in ch. 19.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (joining double predicate)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἁμαρτωλοὶsinnersNominativepredicate adjective (second of double predicate)→ participant prominenceἁμαρτωλός: 'sinner / one who misses the mark'; renders Hebrew חַטָּאִים (ḥaṭṭāʾîm, 'sinners'); the doubling πονηροί + ἁμαρτωλοί creates a cumulative moral indictment; in the NT ἁμαρτωλός will become the designation of the morally degraded (Luke 15:2; 18:13) and of the human condition in Paul (Rom 5:8).
ἐναντίονbefore / in the sight ofpreposition + genitive (Hebraism: 'before God')→ spatial or relational framingἐναντίον: as at v.9; 'before / in the presence of'; ἐναντίον τοῦ θεοῦ renders לִפְנֵי יְהוָה / לַיהוָה; the phrase elevates the moral assessment to the divine court — their wickedness is not merely social but theological.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive (object of ἐναντίον)→ relational specificationθεός: note that the LXX uses θεός rather than κύριος here — the text varies between κύριος (YHWH) and θεός (ʾĕlōhîm) according to the Hebrew source text.
σφόδραexceedinglyadverb (intensifier of the double predicate: 'exceedingly wicked and sinful')→ clausal contributionσφόδρα: as at v.2; the Hebraizing intensifier מְאֹד; its placement at the end of the clause gives climactic weight to the moral verdict — the Sodomites' wickedness is superlative.
14
Ὁ δὲ θεὸς εἶπεν τῷ Αβραμ μετὰ τὸ διαχωρισθῆναι τὸν Λωτ ἀπ᾿ αὐτοῦ· Ἀναβλέψας τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς σου ἰδὲ ἀπὸ τοῦ τόπου οὗ νῦν σύ εἶ πρὸς βορρᾶν καὶ λίβα καὶ ἀνατολὰς καὶ θάλασσαν·
And God said to Abram after Lot had separated from him, 'Look up with your eyes and see from the place where you now are — northward and southward and eastward and seaward;'
The divine speech begins immediately after the separation, implying divine endorsement of Abram's magnanimity. The temporal clause μετὰ τὸ διαχωρισθῆναι τὸν Λωτ ἀπ᾿ αὐτοῦ ('after Lot separated from him') uses an articular infinitive construction (μετὰ τό + inf.), a Hebraistic construction common in the LXX. The command Ἀναβλέψας … ἰδέ ('look up … and see') mirrors Lot's own act in v.10 (ἐπάρας … εἶδεν) but with a divine invitation: now Abram surveys the land under divine promise. The four directions (north/south/east/sea) constitute a universal panorama of possession.
Word-by-word analysis· 33 words
ὉTheNominativearticle (subject of main clause)→ noun-phrase markingὉ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲand / nowpostpositive conjunction (scene transition: divine speech after separation)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θεὸςGodNominativesubject→ participant prominenceθεός: the subject of the promise-oracle; the text uses θεός (ʾĕlōhîm) here; in the promise of vv.14–17 the deity is consistently θεός, not κύριος.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech introduction)→ constative aorist (single divine speech act)λέγω: standard speech-introduction formula.
τῷtoDativearticle (dative with λέγω: indirect object marker)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑβραμAbramdative (indirect object of εἶπεν, indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΑβραμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as dative (indirect object of εἶπεν, indeclinable proper noun).
μετὰafterpreposition + articular infinitive (temporal: 'after the separation')→ spatial or relational framingμετά: 'after'; with the articular infinitive τοῦ + aor. inf. constructs a temporal clause of subsequent action — a Hebraistic construction rendering Hebrew אַחֲרֵי + infinitive construct.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with infinitive after μετά)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
διαχωρισθῆναιto be separatedAor Pass Inf · διαχωρίζωarticular infinitive (temporal clause after μετά)→ aorist infinitive (completed action of separation)διαχωρίζω: same root as v.9 and v.11; the use of the passive infinitive ('after Lot was separated') with τὸν Λωτ as accusative subject is the Greek accusative-infinitive construction.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (accusative subject of infinitive)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛωτLotaccusative subject of infinitive (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΛωτ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as accusative subject of infinitive (indeclinable proper noun).
ἀπ᾿frompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπ᾿: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation).
αὐτοῦhimGenitivegenitive of separation (= from Abram)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of separation (= from Abram).
Ἀναβλέψαςlooking upAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · ἀναβλέπωadverbial participle (attendant circumstance / modal: 'by looking up … see')→ aorist participle (action coinciding with or preceding the main imperative)ἀναβλέπω: 'look up / lift the eyes / recover sight'; ἀναβλέψας τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς σου mirrors the Hebraism of vv.10 and echoes 13:10 — Lot looked and chose the well-watered plain; God now invites Abram to look and receive the promise.
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀφθαλμοῖςeyesDativedative of instrument (with ἀναβλέπω: 'with your eyes')→ sphere or referenceὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; in the Hebraizing idiom ἀναβλέπω τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς the dative functions as instrument or specification; contrasts with the eyes of Lot (τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ, v.10) that saw only earthly fertility.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἰδὲsee / lookAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ὁράωmain verb of command (imperative: the divine summons to see)→ imperative (divine summons to vision and promise reception)ὁράω: 'see'; aorist imperative ἰδέ; the divine command to see the land is the performative initiation of the promise — what Abram sees in obedience to God becomes the scope of his inheritance.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (point of origin of the vision)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (point of origin of the vision).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τόπουplaceGenitivegenitive (object of ἀπό: 'from the place where you are')→ relational specificationτόπος: as at vv.3, 4; theologically marked site; ἀπὸ τοῦ τόπου oὗ νῦν σύ εἶ = 'from the place where you now are' — the highlands near Bethel provide the high vantage point for the divine panorama.
οὗwhereGenitiverelative pronoun / adverb of place ('where')→ relational specificationοὗ: meaning 'where'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as relative pronoun / adverb of place ('where').
νῦνnowtemporal adverb (present moment of the divine address)→ adverbial qualificationνῦν: 'now'; present moment; the 'place where you now stand' is both literally Bethel-Ai highlands and metaphorically the place of covenant renewal.
σύyouNominativesubject of relative clause (emphatic: 'where you yourself now are')→ participant referenceσύ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject of relative clause (emphatic: 'where you yourself now are').
εἶarePres Act Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίverb of relative clause (existential / locative)→ present of current stateεἰμί: 'be / be located'; with σύ emphatic — Abram's standing location is the vantage point for the universal promise.
πρὸςtowardpreposition + accusative (direction: 'toward the north')→ spatial or relational framingπρός: 'toward / in the direction of'; governs the four directional accusatives.
βορρᾶνnorthAccusativeaccusative of direction (first of four compass points)→ object specificationβορρᾶς: 'north / north wind'; renders Hebrew צָפֹנָה (ṣāpōnâ, 'northward'); the four compass points enact the totality of the gift.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (list of directions)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λίβαsouthAccusativeaccusative of direction (second compass point: south)→ object specificationλίψ (gen. λιβός): the southwest wind / direction; here rendered as 'south'; the LXX uses λίψ / νότος / νέγεβ interchangeably for south; renders Hebrew נֶגְבָּה (negbâ, 'southward, Negev direction').
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνατολὰςeastAccusativeaccusative of direction (third compass point: east)→ object specificationἀνατολή: 'east / sunrise'; plural ἀνατολάς = 'eastward'; renders Hebrew קֵדְמָה (qēdmâ, 'eastward').
καὶandcoordinating conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θάλασσανsea / westAccusativeaccusative of direction (fourth compass point: west = seaward)→ object specificationθάλασσα: 'sea'; in the directional system of the ancient Levant, 'the sea' (הַיָּם) = west (the Mediterranean); renders Hebrew יָמָּה (yāmmâ, 'seaward / westward'); the four-direction enumeration comprehensively encloses the whole promised land.
15
ὅτι πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν ἣν σὺ ὁρᾷς, σοὶ δώσω αὐτὴν καὶ τῷ σπέρματί σου ἕως τοῦ αἰῶνος.
for all the land that you see, to you I will give it and to your seed forever.
The causal / recitative ὅτι introduces the substance of God's promise, following the 'look' command of v.14. The formula πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν ἣν σὺ ὁρᾷς ('all the land that you see') ties the promise to the panoramic vision just commanded: what Abram sees in obedience, God declares his. The phrase σοὶ δώσω αὐτὴν ('to you I will give it') with the emphatic dative σοί and the resumptive pronoun αὐτήν is a highly Hebraistic construction. ἕως τοῦ αἰῶνος ('forever / unto the age') renders עַד עוֹלָם and is the LXX formula for eternal duration. This verse is the classic formulation of the Abrahamic land-promise; Paul cites the seed-promise of this passage in Gal 3:16.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ὅτιfor / becausesubordinating conjunction (causal/recitative: introducing the promise)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: here introduces the content of the divine declaration — both causal ('for…') and recitative ('that I will give…'); the Greek is ambiguous and the translation 'for' captures the sense of grounding the 'look' command with the promise.
πᾶσανallAccusativemodifier of direct object (fronted for emphasis)→ attributive qualificationπᾶσαν: meaning 'all'; it serves as modifier of direct object (fronted for emphasis).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆνlandAccusativeaccusative (direct object of δώσω, fronted for emphasis)→ object specificationγῆ: the promised land in its entirety; πᾶσα ἡ γῆ ἣν σὺ ὁρᾷς = 'all the land that you see' — the scope of Abram's visual sweep (v.14) defines the scope of the promise.
ἣνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (accusative: 'that you see')→ participant referenceἣν: meaning 'which'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as relative pronoun (accusative: 'that you see').
σὺyouNominativesubject of relative clause (emphatic pronoun: 'that you yourself see')→ participant referenceσὺ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject of relative clause (emphatic pronoun: 'that you yourself see').
ὁρᾷςseePres Act Indic 2 Sg · ὁράωverb of relative clause→ present of ongoing action (you are currently seeing)ὁράω: 'see'; the present tense is contemporaneous with the divine speech — Abram is looking at this moment, and the promise covers what he sees right now.
σοὶto youDativedative of advantage (emphatic: recipient of the promise)→ participant reference or interestσύ: emphatic dative σοί; the emphasis on the personal addressee (σοί + σπέρματί σου) makes the promise intensely direct and personal.
δώσωI will giveFut Act Indic 1 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (divine promise in future tense)→ predictive future (unconditional divine commitment)δίδωμι: 'give'; the future tense δώσω encodes the unconditional divine commitment; the same promise formula recurs at Gen 12:7; 15:7, 18; 17:8; 26:3–4; 28:13; the promise of land to Abraham and his seed is the backbone of the Pentateuchal covenant theology.
αὐτὴνitAccusativeaccusative (resumptive pronoun: 'it' = the land, following the fronted object)→ participant referenceαὐτή: the resumptive pronoun after the fronted and relative-clause-modified object is a Hebraism — in Hebrew the fronted object is 'resumed' by a pronoun with the verb (אֶתְּנֶנָּה); the LXX preserves this construction.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (extending the promise to seed)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τῷto theDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σπέρματίseed / offspringDativedative of advantage (second recipient: 'and to your seed')→ sphere or referenceσπέρμα: 'seed / offspring / descendants'; renders Hebrew זַרְעֲךָ (zarʿăkā, 'your seed'); a theologically central term in Genesis — the seed-promise is first given in Gen 3:15 and repeated in the covenant with Abraham (12:7; 13:15; 15:5, 13, 18; 17:7–8; 22:17–18). Paul argues in Gal 3:16 that the singular σπέρμα (not σπέρματα) refers to Christ as the individual fulfiller of the promise, making this verse an important NT proof-text.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἕωςuntil / foreverpreposition + genitive (temporal extent: 'until the age / forever')→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'until / as far as'; with τοῦ αἰῶνος = 'forever / unto the age'; renders Hebrew עַד עוֹלָם (ʿad ʿôlām), the standard formula for perpetual, unconditional duration.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αἰῶνοςage / eternityGenitivegenitive (object of ἕως: 'forever')→ relational specificationαἰών: 'age / era / eternity'; ἕως τοῦ αἰῶνος = 'unto the age / forever'; this formula occurs frequently in the LXX for Hebrew עַד עוֹלָם; in NT usage εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα similarly means 'forever' (John 6:51; 8:51; 12:34).
16
καὶ θήσω τὸ σπέρμα σου ὡς τὴν ἄμμον τῆς γῆς· εἰ δύναταί τις ἐξαριθμῆσαι τὴν ἄμμον τῆς γῆς, καὶ τὸ σπέρμα σου ἐξαριθμηθήσεται.
And I will make your seed like the sand of the earth; if anyone is able to count the sand of the earth, then your seed also will be counted.
Verse 16 extends the land-promise of v.15 into a seed-promise, using the simile τὸ σπέρμα σου ὡς τὴν ἄμμον τῆς γῆς ('your seed like the sand of the earth'). The sand-simile renders Hebrew כַּעֲפַר הָאָרֶץ ('as the dust of the earth'), but the LXX gives ἄμμος ('sand') rather than χοῦς ('dust') — both represent the uncountable. The rhetorical conditional εἰ δύναταί τις ἐξαριθμῆσαι … is a reductio ad absurdum: if the sand is uncountable (impossible), then so is Abram's seed. The apodosis (καὶ τὸ σπέρμα σου ἐξαριθμηθήσεται) states the same impossibility positively, enacting the immensity of the promise.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (continuing the promise)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θήσωI will make / setFut Act Indic 1 Sg · τίθημιmain verb (divine promise in future tense)→ predictive future (unconditional divine action)τίθημι: 'place / make / set'; θήσω τὸ σπέρμα σου ὡς renders Hebrew וְשַׂמְתִּי אֶת־זַרְעֲךָ כְּ ('and I will make/set your seed like'); the verb is used for God's performative shaping of a future reality.
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σπέρμαseed / offspringAccusativeaccusative (direct object of θήσω)→ object specificationσπέρμα: as at v.15; the central covenant term.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὡςlikecomparative particle (introducing the sand simile)→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: meaning 'like'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄμμονsandAccusativeaccusative (object of comparison: 'like the sand')→ object specificationἄμμος: 'sand'; renders Hebrew עָפָר (ʿāpār, 'dust / earth / soil') in the MT, but the LXX uses ἄμμος ('sand') — a slight divergence, perhaps harmonising with the later parallel star-promise (15:5) or simply preferring the more graphic and countable-yet-uncountable image of sand; cf. the parallel sand-promise at Gen 22:17; 32:12.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςearth / landGenitivegenitive of definition ('sand of the earth')→ relational specificationγῆ: 'earth / land'; τὴν ἄμμον τῆς γῆς = 'the sand of the earth' — every grain of sand on the planet is the comparative standard.
εἰifconditional conjunction (first-class condition, leading to absurd apodosis)→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: 'if'; the rhetorical conditional assumes the impossibility of counting sand; the impossibility of the protasis proves the immensity of the promise.
δύναταίis ablePres Mid Indic 3 Sg · δύναμαιverb of conditional protasis→ present of potential (hypothetical capacity)δύναμαι: 'be able / can'; the present δύναταί with εἰ creates an open (first-class) condition; the rhetorically implied answer is 'no one can.'
τιςanyoneNominativenominative subject (indefinite pronoun: 'any person')→ participant referenceτις: 'someone / anyone'; the indefinite sets up the universal rhetorical question — is there any person who can count sand?
ἐξαριθμῆσαιto count outAor Act Inf · ἐξαριθμέωcomplementary infinitive (object of δύναταί)→ aorist infinitive (complete enumeration, impossible task)ἐξαριθμέω: 'count out / enumerate fully'; the compound ἐξ- intensifies completeness; renders Hebrew לִמְנוֹת (limnôt, 'to count'); the impossibility of complete enumeration is the rhetorical point.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄμμονsandAccusativeaccusative (direct object of ἐξαριθμῆσαι)→ object specificationἄμμος: repeated from the simile — the sand that cannot be counted equals the seed that cannot be counted.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςearthGenitivegenitive of definition (repeated phrase)→ relational specificationγῆς: meaning 'earth'; it serves as genitive of definition (repeated phrase).
καὶalso / thenapodotic conjunction (καὶ … apodosis: 'then also your seed…')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here apodotic, introducing the consequence of the impossible protasis — 'if sand can be counted, then (καί) your seed will be counted'; a Hebraizing use of καί in the apodosis (cf. Hebrew וְגַם).
τὸtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σπέρμαseedNominativesubject of apodosis→ participant prominenceσπέρμα: third occurrence in vv.15–16; the repeated emphasis on the σπέρμα gives these two verses the character of a concentrated seed-promise formula.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐξαριθμηθήσεταιwill be countedFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐξαριθμέωverb of apodosis (future passive: result of impossible counting)→ predictive future passive (the counting that cannot happen = immeasurable multitude)ἐξαριθμέω: passive future; the rhetorical force is: just as sand cannot be counted (= is innumerable), so your seed cannot be counted (= will be innumerable); the passive voice renders the promise impersonal and universal.
17
ἀναστὰς διόδευσον τὴν γῆν εἴς τε τὸ μῆκος αὐτῆς καὶ εἰς τὸ πλάτος· ὅτι σοὶ δώσω αὐτήν.
Rise and walk through the land both in its length and in its breadth, for to you I will give it.
The double imperative ἀναστὰς διόδευσον ('rise up, traverse') signals a symbolic act: walking through the land in its length and breadth is a performative claim of possession. ἀναστάς (aorist participle of ἀνίστημι, 'rise') is an attendant-circumstance participle with the force of a first imperative. The promise clause ὅτι σοὶ δώσω αὐτήν ('for to you I will give it') with emphatic σοί repeats the exact phrasing of v.15, creating a verbal inclusio around the promise section (vv.15–17).
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ἀναστὰςrising upAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · ἀνίστημιadverbial participle (attendant circumstance: 'rise and…')→ aorist participle (action accompanying the main imperative)ἀνίστημι: 'rise up / stand up'; ἀναστάς + imperative is a common LXX idiom rendering Hebrew קוּם (qûm, 'arise!') before the main command — the rising marks the beginning of a decisive action; cf. Gen 28:2; 35:1; Num 22:20.
διόδευσονtraverse / walk throughAor Act Impv 2 Sg · διοδεύωmain verb (imperative: the symbolic act of walking the land)→ imperative (divine command to claim possession by traversal)διοδεύω: 'travel through / traverse / walk through'; renders Hebrew הִתְהַלֵּךְ (hithalēk, Hithpael 'walk about / walk through'); the Hithpael of הָלַךְ signals a deliberate, repeated traversal; later covenant texts speak of walking the land as a symbolic act of inheritance.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆνlandAccusativeaccusative (direct object of διόδευσον)→ object specificationγῆ: the promised land; the object of the symbolic traversal that enacts the promise.
εἴςin respect topreposition + accusative (εἴς τε … καὶ εἰς: 'both … and')→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: 'to / in respect to'; with τε … καί constructs the 'both … and' correlation of the two dimensions.
τεbothenclitic conjunction (paired with καί: 'both … and')→ discourse linkage or contrastτε … καί: 'both … and'; a Greek correlative pair; the LXX uses this to render the dual aspect (length and breadth) of the traversal; uncommon in the LXX but classically Greek.
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μῆκοςlengthAccusativeaccusative (object of εἰς: 'in its length')→ object specificationμῆκος: 'length'; renders Hebrew לְאָרְכָּהּ (lĕʾārkāh, 'in its length'); the vertical dimension of the land (north–south).
αὐτῆςitsGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'its'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (completing the τε … καί pair)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰςin respect topreposition + accusative (second dimension)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'in respect to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (second dimension).
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πλάτοςbreadth / widthAccusativeaccusative (object of εἰς: 'in its breadth')→ object specificationπλάτος: 'breadth / width'; renders Hebrew לְרָחְבָּהּ (lĕrāḥbāh, 'in its breadth'); the horizontal dimension (east–west); the pair μῆκος–πλάτος renders the whole two-dimensional extent of the land and recurs in Ezek 45:1–5; Rev 21:16.
ὅτιfor / becausesubordinating conjunction (causal: 'for I will give it to you')→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: causal, grounding the command to traverse with the promise of ownership.
σοὶto youDativedative of advantage (emphatic: 'to you — I will give it')→ participant reference or interestσύ: emphatic dative; echoes exactly σοὶ δώσω αὐτήν of v.15, creating an inclusio around the promise core.
δώσωI will giveFut Act Indic 1 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (divine promise repeated)→ predictive future (unconditional divine gift)δίδωμι: as at v.15; the verbal echo seals the promise section.
αὐτήνitAccusativeaccusative (resumptive pronoun: the land)→ participant referenceαὐτή: as at v.15; the resumptive pronoun for τὴν γῆν; the formula σοὶ δώσω αὐτήν is verbatim from v.15.
18
καὶ ἀπάρας Αβραμ ἐσκήνωσεν παρὰ τὴν δρῦν τὴν Μαμβρη, ἥ ἐστιν ἐν Χεβρων· καὶ ᾠκοδόμησεν ἐκεῖ θυσιαστήριον κυρίῳ.
And Abram moved and pitched his tent by the oak of Mamre, which is in Hebron; and he built there an altar to the Lord.
The final verse enacts the pattern established at 12:7–8 and 13:3–4: divine promise → altar. ἀπάρας (aorist participle of ἀπαίρω, 'depart') + ἐσκήνωσεν ('pitched his tent') narrates the movement and settlement. The site is given as παρὰ τὴν δρῦν τὴν Μαμβρη — 'by the oak of Mamre' — where the LXX's singular δρῦς ('oak') differs from the MT's plural בְּאֵלֹנֵי מַמְרֵא ('oaks/terebinths of Mamre'), a text-critical distinction that makes the site more distinctively singular in the LXX tradition. Χεβρων (Hebron) will be the base of operations for Abram through chs. 14–19 and is the traditional burial place of the patriarchs (Gen 23; 25:9; 49:31; 50:13). The altar-building ᾠκοδόμησεν θυσιαστήριον κυρίῳ echoes 12:7, 8; 13:4 and gives the chapter a circular closure of worship.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπάραςdeparting / having movedAor Act Part Nom Sg Masc · ἀπαίρωadverbial participle (attendant circumstance: antecedent to ἐσκήνωσεν)→ aorist participle (breaking camp precedes pitching tent)ἀπαίρω: 'depart / set out'; as at v.11; the same verb used for Lot's departure, now applied to Abram's movement toward Mamre; the echo underscores the contrast — Lot moved eastward toward Sodom, Abram moves toward the land of promise and covenant.
ΑβραμAbramsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΑβραμ: transliterated proper name rendered in Greek letters; here it functions as subject (indeclinable proper noun).
ἐσκήνωσενpitched his tentAor Act Indic 3 Sg · σκηνόωmain verb (settlement at Mamre)→ constative aorist (single act of settling)σκηνόω: as at v.12; the same verb used for Lot's camping near Sodom is now used for Abram's camping at Mamre — the narrative contrast is complete. Abram settles at a named and holy landmark; Lot settled near a doomed city.
παρὰbeside / bypreposition + accusative (location beside: 'by the oak')→ spatial or relational framingπαρά: 'beside / near / by'; with accusative denotes location alongside; renders Hebrew בְּ ('by / at').
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δρῦνoakAccusativeaccusative (object of παρά: 'beside the oak')→ object specificationδρῦς: 'oak tree'; the LXX uses the SINGULAR δρῦν here (accusative of δρῦς) where the MT has בְּאֵלֹנֵי מַמְרֵא — a plural construct 'oaks/terebinths of Mamre.' This is the chapter's principal text-critical crux: the LXX consistently uses the singular in Gen 13:18 and 14:13 (ἐπὶ τῆς δρυός τῆς Μαμβρη), whereas the MT suggests a grove or stand of trees. The singular δρῦς makes 'the oak of Mamre' a single landmark-tree, more consonant with the definite article τήν.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (second article: defining the oak as 'the Mamre [oak]')→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΜαμβρηMamreaccusative in apposition / genitive-like qualifier (proper noun as landmark name)→ participant identificationΜαμβρη: LXX form of Hebrew מַמְרֵא (Mamrēʾ); the site near Hebron that becomes Abram's home in chs. 13–18; traditionally identified with a sacred tree; in ch. 18 the LORD appears to Abram ἐπὶ τῇ δρυΐ τῇ Μαμβρη. The name may derive from a local Amorite chieftain (cf. 14:13: Μαμβρη ὁ Ἀμορραῖος). Indeclinable in the LXX.
ἥwhichNominativerelative pronoun (feminine nominative: antecedent is δρῦν or the site Μαμβρη)→ participant referenceThe relative clause ἥ ἐστιν ἐν Χεβρων ('which is in Hebron') identifies the location geographically for the reader; it is a parenthetical gloss.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίverb of relative clause (locative / identificatory)→ gnomic present (the site's enduring geographical identity)εἰμί: 'be / be located'; ἥ ἐστιν ἐν Χεβρων is a geographical gloss common in LXX narrative to orient readers unfamiliar with Canaanite topography.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
ΧεβρωνHebrondative of place (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΧεβρων: LXX transliteration of Hebrew חֶבְרוֹן (Ḥebrōn, 'alliance / confederation'); one of the most important Patriarchal sites in Canaan; Sarah will die here (Gen 23:2), and the cave of Machpelah nearby becomes the family tomb (Gen 23; 25:9; 49:29–32); Hebron is also prominent in the Conquest (Josh 10:3ff.) and as David's first capital (2 Sam 2:1–11). Indeclinable.
καὶandnarrative conjunction (final action of chapter)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ᾠκοδόμησενbuiltAor Act Indic 3 Sg · οἰκοδομέωmain verb (climactic worship act)→ constative aorist (single completed act of altar-building)οἰκοδομέω: 'build / construct'; renders Hebrew וַיִּבֶן (wayyiben, 'and he built'); used for altar-construction at Gen 8:20; 12:7; 22:9; the pattern build-altar-call-on-the-LORD / build-altar marks every major stage of Abram's covenantal journey through the land.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place (at the oak of Mamre)→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: 'there'; echoes ἐκεῖ of vv.3, 4 — Abram builds altars 'there' at every new site of covenant encounter.
θυσιαστήριονaltarAccusativeaccusative (direct object of ᾠκοδόμησεν)→ object specificationθυσιαστήριον: as at v.4; the altar is the physical mark of Abram's covenantal relationship with YHWH and his claim on the land; each altar-building establishes a new site of divine encounter and covenant renewal in Canaan.
κυρίῳto the LordDativedative of advantage / dedication (the altar is built for the LORD)→ sphere or referenceκύριος: 'Lord'; dative of dedication — 'an altar to/for the LORD'; the return to κύριος (after θεός in vv.13–17) signals the end of the divine speech and the return to narrative; the chapter closes as it began — with Abram in relationship with YHWH, now settled in the land of promise.