Genesis 40:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
אַחַר֙
And it came to pass after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#3
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
these things
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
הָאֵ֔לֶּה
these or those
#5
חָ֥טְא֛וּ
had offended
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#6
מַשְׁקֵ֥ה
properly, causing to drink, i.e., a butler; by implication (intransitively), drink (itself); figuratively, a well-watered region
#7
לְמֶ֥לֶךְ
of the king
a king
#8
מִצְרָֽיִם׃
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#9
וְהָֽאֹפֶ֑ה
and his baker
to cook, especially to bake
#10
לַאֲדֹֽנֵיהֶ֖ם
their lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#11
לְמֶ֥לֶךְ
of the king
a king
#12
מִצְרָֽיִם׃
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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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