Genesis 39:9

Authorized King James Version

There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵינֶ֨נּוּ
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#2
הַגְּדֹלָה֙
There is none greater
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#3
בַּבַּ֣יִת
in this house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#4
הַזֶּה֮
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#5
מִמֶּנִּי֒
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#6
וְלֹֽא
than I neither
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
חָשַׂ֤ךְ
hath he kept back
to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe
#8
מִמֶּ֙נִּי֙
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#9
מְא֔וּמָה
any thing
properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing
#10
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#12
אוֹתָ֖ךְ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
בַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
from me but thee because
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
אַתְּ
thou
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#15
אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ
art his wife
a woman
#16
וְאֵ֨יךְ
how? or how!; also where
#17
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֜ה
how then can I do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#18
הָֽרָעָ֤ה
wickedness
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#19
הַגְּדֹלָה֙
There is none greater
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#20
הַזֹּ֔את
this (often used adverb)
#21
וְחָטָ֖אתִי
and sin
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#22
לֵֽאלֹהִֽים׃
against God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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