As with many common verbs, the meaning of “to say” in the Bible is highly dependent on context. Who is speaking? Who is hearing? What is it about? Is it a command, a message, an apology, instruction? All these things enter into the meaning of “say.” In general, though, “saying” has to do with sharing truth at various levels -- from the most exalted power people can have to perceive the Lord's desires directly to the most basic of orders issued to people at their lowest.

2862. 'That it was pointed out to Abraham, saying' means the Lord's perception. This becomes clear from the meaning of 'being pointed out' as thought and reflection, and of 'saying' as perceiving, often dealt with already. The Lord's reflection and perception, dealt with in the internal sense of the Word, cannot be expressed in any other way in historical narratives than as 'being pointed out' and 'laying'. Furthermore reflection and perception in itself is an internal pointing out and saying.