Genesis 40:3

Authorized King James Version

And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
And he put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
אֹתָ֜ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
בְּמִשְׁמַ֗ר
them in ward
a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely)
#4
בֵּ֣ית
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
שַׂ֥ר
of the captain
a head person (of any rank or class)
#6
הַטַבָּחִ֖ים
of the guard
properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food)
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
בֵּ֣ית
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
הַסֹּ֑הַר
a dungeon (as surrounded by walls)
#10
מְק֕וֹם
the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#11
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
יוֹסֵ֖ף
where Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#13
אָס֥וּר
was bound
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
#14
שָֽׁם׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

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