Wherefore
An archaic conjunction meaning 'why' or 'for which reason.'
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The term "wherefore" appears frequently in the book of Genesis as an archaic English conjunction meaning "why" or "for which reason." It is used in direct questions, such as when the LORD asks Abraham, "Wherefore did Sarah laugh?" (Genesis 18:13), and in explanatory statements, such as "Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi" (Genesis 16:14). The word also introduces the reason for a name, as in "Wherefore he called that place Beersheba" (Genesis 21:31) and "Wherefore the name of it was called Abelmizraim" (Genesis 50:11).
- Total occurrences in source passages
- 19
- First occurrence
- Genesis 10:9
- Last occurrence
- Genesis 50:11
- Used in questions
- 12 times (e.g., Genesis 18:13, 26:27, 29:25, 31:27, 31:30, 32:29, 40:7, 43:6, 44:4, 44:7, 47:19)
- Used in explanations or naming
- 7 times (e.g., Genesis 10:9, 16:14, 21:31, 38:10, 47:22, 50:11)
Lore & Background
As an explanatory term, "wherefore" introduces the reason behind a name or event. Nimrod is called "a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD" (Genesis 10:9). The well Beerlahairoi is named (Genesis 16:14), Beersheba is named because of an oath (Genesis 21:31), and the mourning site Abelmizraim is named (Genesis 50:11). In Genesis 38:10, "wherefore" explains divine judgment: "And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also."
Reader's Guide
The passages portray "wherefore" as a versatile connector that links cause and effect or introduces a query. In questions, it often conveys emotional weight—Jacob's frustration (Genesis 29:25), Isaac's hurt (Genesis 26:27), Laban's anger (Genesis 31:27), and Joseph's feigned accusation (Genesis 44:4). In explanatory contexts, it grounds names and proverbs in specific events, such as the naming of Beersheba (Genesis 21:31) and the proverbial saying about Nimrod (Genesis 10:9). The word also marks divine action, as when God kills Er (Genesis 38:10). Notably, "wherefore" never appears in narrative description without being tied to speech or naming; it always signals a human or divine reasoning process. The term is thus a key linguistic marker for motivation and consequence in the Genesis text.
Did You Know?
- The word 'wherefore' appears 19 times in the source passages, more than any other single word in the list (Genesis 10:9 through 50:11).
- In Genesis 10:9, 'wherefore' introduces the only proverb in the source passages: 'Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.'
- The question 'Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?' (Genesis 40:7) is the only instance where 'wherefore' is used to inquire about an emotional state.
- Genesis 38:10 uses 'wherefore' to explain a divine action: 'the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.'
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