Genesis 41:21

Authorized King James Version

And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בָ֣אוּ

H935

And when they had eaten them up

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קִרְבֶּ֗נָה

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

וְלֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נוֹדַע֙

H3045

it could not be known

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָ֣אוּ

H935

And when they had eaten them up

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קִרְבֶּ֔נָה

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

#10

וּמַרְאֵיהֶ֣ן

H4758

but they were still

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

#11

רַ֔ע

H7451

ill favoured

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#12

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

בַּתְּחִלָּ֑ה

H8462

as at the beginning

a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)

#14

וָֽאִיקָֽץ׃

H3364

So I awoke

to awake (intransitive)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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