Genesis 41:38

Authorized King James Version

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

פַּרְעֹ֖ה

H6547

And Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֲבָדָ֑יו

H5650

unto his servants

a servant

הֲנִמְצָ֣א

H4672

Can we find

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

כָזֶ֔ה

H2088

such a one as this

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אִ֕ישׁ

H376

is a man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

in whom

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

ר֥וּחַ

H7307

the Spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#10

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

of 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

#11

בּֽוֹ׃

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 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 sovereignty. 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

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

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