Genesis 39:5

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֡י

H1961

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

מֵאָז֩

H227

And it came to pass from the time

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

הִפְקִ֨יד

H6485

that he had made him overseer

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

אֹת֜וֹ

H853

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

בַּבַּ֖יִת

H1004

house

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

וְעַל֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל

H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

יֶשׁ

H3426

and over all that he had

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

#10

ל֔וֹ

#11

וַיְבָ֧רֶךְ

H1288

blessed

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

#12

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

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

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

בַּבַּ֖יִת

H1004

house

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

#15

הַמִּצְרִ֖י

H4713

the Egyptian's

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

#16

בִּגְלַ֣ל

H1558

sake

a circumstance (as rolled around); only used adverbially, on account of

#17

יוֹסֵ֑ף

H3130

for Joseph's

joseph, the name of seven israelites

#18

וַיְהִ֞י

H1961

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

#19

בִּרְכַּ֤ת

H1293

and the blessing

benediction; by implication prosperity

#20

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

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

#21

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#22

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#23

יֶשׁ

H3426

and over all that he had

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

#24

ל֔וֹ

#25

בַּבַּ֖יִת

H1004

house

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

#26

וּבַשָּׂדֶֽה׃

H7704

and in the field

a field (as flat)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty. 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

What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
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?

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