Genesis 39:11

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּהַיּ֣וֹם

H3117

And it came to pass about this time

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּ֔ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וַיָּבֹ֥א

H935

that Joseph went

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בַּבָּֽיִת׃

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת

H6213

to do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מְלַאכְתּ֑וֹ

H4399

his business

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

וְאֵ֨ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מֵֽאַנְשֵׁ֥י

H376

and there was none of the men

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#10

מֵֽאַנְשֵׁ֥י

H376

and there was none of the men

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#11

בַּבָּֽיִת׃

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#12

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#13

בַּבָּֽיִת׃

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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