| 11. Linguistic Exegesis The verse begins with vayera {וַיֵּ֧רַע | way-yê-raʿ}, a Qal wayyiqtol verb with vav consecutive that functions impersonally to introduce Abraham’s emotional response. It continues with hadavar {הַדָּבָר | had-dā-ḇār}, “the matter,” where the definite article recalls the specific issue of sending away his son. The adverb meod {מְאֹד | mə-ʾōḏ} intensifies the negative impact. The phrase beeinei Avraham {בְּעֵינֵ֣י אַבְרָהָ֑ם | bə-ʿê-nê ʾaḇ-rā-hām} frames the statement as Abraham’s perspective. The preposition al {עַ֖ל | ʿal} with odot {אוֹדֹ֥ת | ʾō-ḏōṯ} introduces the causal idea “because of concerning,” leading to beno {בְּנֽוֹ | bə-nô}, “his son,” as the reason for his distress. In English, “the matter” serves as subject in formal to mirror the impersonal Hebrew, while dynamic directly conveys Abraham’s emotional state. |