Genesis 39:23

Authorized King James Version

The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֵ֣ין׀

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

שַׂ֣ר

H8269

The keeper

a head person (of any rank or class)

בֵּית

H1004

of the prison

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

הַסֹּ֗הַר

H5470

a dungeon (as surrounded by walls)

רֹאֶ֤ה

H7200

looked

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶֽת

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)

מְא֙וּמָה֙

H3972

not to any thing

properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing

בְּיָד֔וֹ

H3027

that was under his 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

#10

בַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#11

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

because the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

אִתּ֑וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#13

וַֽאֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#14

ה֥וּא

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

#15

עֹשֶׂ֖ה

H6213

was with him and that which he did

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

#16

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

because the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#17

מַצְלִֽיחַ׃

H6743

made it to prosper

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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 sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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