Genesis 39:19

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִי֩

H1961

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

כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֲדֹנָ֜יו

H113

And it came to pass when his master

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כַּדְּבָרִ֣ים

H1697

After this manner

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אִשְׁתּ֗וֹ

H802

of his wife

a woman

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבְּרָ֤ה

H1696

which she spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלָיו֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

unto him saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

כַּדְּבָרִ֣ים

H1697

After this manner

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#12

הָאֵ֔לֶּה

H428

these or those

#13

עָ֥שָׂהּ

H6213

did

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

#14

לִ֖י

#15

עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ

H5650

thy servant

a servant

#16

וַיִּ֖חַר

H2734

was kindled

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

#17

אַפּֽוֹ׃

H639

to me that his wrath

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
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?

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