Genesis 40:2

Authorized King James Version

And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְצֹ֣ף
was wroth
to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage
#2
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
And Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#3
וְעַ֖ל
against
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
שְׁנֵ֣י
two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#5
סָֽרִיסָ֑יו
of his officers
a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state
#6
וְעַ֖ל
against
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
שַׂ֥ר
against the chief
a head person (of any rank or class)
#8
הַמַּשְׁקִ֔ים
properly, causing to drink, i.e., a butler; by implication (intransitively), drink (itself); figuratively, a well-watered region
#9
וְעַ֖ל
against
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
שַׂ֥ר
against the chief
a head person (of any rank or class)
#11
הָֽאוֹפִֽים׃
of the bakers
to cook, especially to bake

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 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.

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