Genesis 41:32

Authorized King James Version

And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַ֨ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
הִשָּׁנ֧וֹת
was doubled
to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)
#3
הַֽחֲל֛וֹם
And for that the dream
a dream
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
unto Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#6
פַּֽעֲמָ֑יִם
twice
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
נָכ֤וֹן
is established
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#9
הַדָּבָר֙
it is because the thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#10
מֵעִ֣ם
by
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#11
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#12
וּמְמַהֵ֥ר
will shortly
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
#13
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#14
לַֽעֲשֹׂתֽוֹ׃
bring it to pass
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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