Genesis 39:6

Authorized King James Version

And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲזֹ֣ב
H5800
And he left
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#2
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
לוֹ֮
H0
#5
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
#6
יוֹסֵ֔ף
H3130
And Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#7
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
יָדַ֤ע
H3045
and he knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#9
אִתּוֹ֙
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#10
מְא֔וּמָה
H3972
not ought
properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing
#11
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
אִם
H518
he had save
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#13
הַלֶּ֖חֶם
H3899
the bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#14
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
ה֣וּא
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
#16
אוֹכֵ֑ל
H398
which he did eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#17
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#18
יוֹסֵ֔ף
H3130
And Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#19
וִיפֵ֥ה
H3303
person and well
beautiful (literally or figuratively)
#20
תֹ֖אַר
H8389
was a goodly
outline, i.e., figure or appearance
#21
וִיפֵ֥ה
H3303
person and well
beautiful (literally or figuratively)
#22
מַרְאֶֽה׃
H4758
favoured
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

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

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