Genesis 39:22

Authorized King James Version

And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּתֵּ֞ן

H5414

committed

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

שַׂ֤ר

H8269

And the keeper

a head person (of any rank or class)

בְּבֵ֣ית

H1004

of the prison

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

הַסֹּ֙הַר֙

H5470

a dungeon (as surrounded by walls)

בְּיַד

H3027

hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יוֹסֵ֔ף

H3130

to Joseph's

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֵ֚ת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָ֣אֲסִירִ֔ם

H615

all the prisoners

bound, i.e., a captive

#10

אֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

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

#11

בְּבֵ֣ית

H1004

of the prison

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

#12

הַסֹּ֑הַר

H5470

a dungeon (as surrounded by walls)

#13

וְאֵ֨ת

H853

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

#14

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#15

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

#16

עֹשֶֽׂה׃

H6213

and whatsoever they did

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

#17

שָׁ֔ם

H8033

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

#18

ה֖וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#19

הָיָ֥ה

H1961

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

#20

עֹשֶֽׂה׃

H6213

and whatsoever they did

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

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 literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 39 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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?

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