Only

Lore & Background

The word 'only' first appears in the context of universal human wickedness: 'every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually' (Genesis 6:5). This sets the stage for the Flood, after which 'Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark' (Genesis 7:23). Here 'only' underscores the total destruction of all other living things, leaving a single family as the remnant. In the account of Abraham, 'only' repeatedly emphasizes Isaac's unique status: 'thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest' (Genesis 22:2). The angel later commends Abraham for not withholding 'thy son, thine only son' (Genesis 22:12, 22:16). This exclusivity heightens the test of faith and the promise of blessing. Elsewhere, 'only' marks conditions and exceptions. Abraham's servant is told 'only bring not my son thither again' (Genesis 24:8). Rebekah instructs Jacob, 'only obey my voice' (Genesis 27:13). The men of Shechem stipulate 'only herein will the men consent... if every male among us be circumcised' (Genesis 34:22). Joseph is made ruler over Egypt 'only in the throne will I be greater than thou' (Genesis 41:40). And the priests' land is exempt from Joseph's purchase: 'only the land of the priests bought he not' (Genesis 47:22, 47:26).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray 'only' as a marker of divine selectivity and human limitation. In Genesis 6:5, human evil is described as 'only evil continually,' indicating total moral corruption with no admixture of good. This absolute condition leads to the Flood, where 'only' Noah and his company survive (Genesis 7:23), emphasizing that salvation is restricted to a single obedient family. In the Abraham narrative, 'only' repeatedly identifies Isaac as the unique, beloved son (Genesis 22:2, 12, 16). This exclusivity is central to the test of faith: Abraham is asked to sacrifice his 'only son,' the sole heir of the promise. The repetition underscores the cost of obedience and the singular nature of the covenant line. Other uses of 'only' establish boundaries. Abraham's servant must not take Isaac back to Mesopotamia (Genesis 24:8). Rebekah tells Jacob to 'only obey' her voice (Genesis 27:13), limiting his responsibility. The Shechemites demand circumcision as the 'only' condition for intermarriage (Genesis 34:22). Pharaoh grants Joseph authority 'only in the throne' is he greater (Genesis 41:40), and the priests' land is the 'only' exception to Joseph's land policy (Genesis 47:22, 26). In each case, 'only' defines a limit or exception, highlighting the precise terms of divine or human agreements.

Did You Know?

• The word 'only' appears in Genesis 6:5 to describe the totality of human evil: 'every imagination... was only evil continually.'
• Noah is described as the 'only' survivor of the Flood, along with those in the ark (Genesis 7:23).
• Isaac is called Abraham's 'only son' three times in Genesis 22 (verses 2, 12, 16).
• The priests' land was the 'only' land not bought by Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 47:22, 26).