Definition: And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence [be] ye? And they said, Of Haran [are] we.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse! It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage from Genesis. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jacob is talking to his family. He’s recounting an event that happened after he left Haran, a place he was traveling. He asks them where they came from. They respond with "We are from Haran." What Does That Mean? Haran: This is a place in ancient Israel – likely a region near the Jordan River. It’s significant because it's the location of the patriarch Abraham’s birth. “From whence ye?” - Jacob is asking, "Where did you come from?" It implies he’s trying to understand his family’s origins and where they were traveling. The Significance – It's a bit more complex than it seems: This verse isn't just about geography. It suggests that Jacob’s family was literally traveling from Haran. It hints at a significant journey and perhaps a divine plan. It's a foundational story in Genesis, establishing the beginning of the biblical narrative and suggesting God’s plan for humanity. In short, it’s a simple statement about a family’s origin that sets up a larger story of God’s work. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the meaning within a broader context of Genesis?