Genesis 40:6

Authorized King James Version

And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֧א
came in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֲלֵיהֶ֛ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
יוֹסֵ֖ף
And Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#4
בַּבֹּ֑קֶר
unto them in the morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#5
וַיַּ֣רְא
and looked
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#6
אֹתָ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
וְהִנָּ֖ם
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#8
זֹֽעֲפִֽים׃
upon them and behold they were sad
properly, to boil up, i.e., (figuratively) to be peevish or angry

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.

Questions for Reflection

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