Genesis 39:8

Authorized King James Version

But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְמָאֵ֓ן׀

H3985

But he refused

to refuse

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֣שֶׁת

H802

wife

a woman

אֲדֹנִ֔י

H113

Behold my master

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

הֵ֣ן

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

אֲדֹנִ֔י

H113

Behold my master

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

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדַ֥ע

H3045

wotteth

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#10

אִתִּ֖י

H854

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

#11

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#12

בַּבָּ֑יִת

H1004

not what is with me in the house

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

#13

וְכֹ֥ל

H3605

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

#14

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#15

יֶשׁ

H3426

all that he hath

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

#16

ל֖וֹ

#17

נָתַ֥ן

H5414

and he hath committed

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

#18

בְּיָדִֽי׃

H3027

to my 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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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 passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
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?

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