Literary Devices – Bereshit 14/0
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Literary Devices – Bereshit 14
Structure
Parallels and Contrasts
Key Words
Character Titles
Avraham
- Throughout the chapter Avram is referred to by his proper name alone, with one exception. In Bereshit 14:13, when he first appears on the scene, he is called “אַבְרָם הָעִבְרִי”. By clicking on the word “Ha-Ivri” and reading the Concordance entries, one can see that this is an appellation that is always used in contexts that involve non-Jews. The BDB definition emphasizes that the term “Ivri” is generally used by non-Israelites and serves “to distinguish Israel from foreigners.”
- This may explain the statement in Midrash Rabbah on this verse that Avraham is called “Ha-Ivri” because he stood on one side, while everyone else in the world stood on the other side.
