Genesis 40:4

Authorized King James Version

And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַ֠יִּפְקֹד

H6485

charged

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

שַׂ֣ר

H8269

And the captain

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַטַּבָּחִ֧ים

H2876

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)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יוֹסֵ֛ף

H3130

Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אִתָּ֖ם

H854

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

וַיְשָׁ֣רֶת

H8334

with them and he served

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

אֹתָ֑ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#10

יָמִ֖ים

H3117

them and they continued a season

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#11

בְּמִשְׁמָֽר׃

H4929

in ward

a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely)

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

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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