Genesis 41:43

Authorized King James Version

And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּרְכֵּ֣ב

H7392

And he made him to ride

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

אֹת֗וֹ

H853

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

בְּמִרְכֶּ֤בֶת

H4818

chariot

a chariot

הַמִּשְׁנֶה֙

H4932

in the second

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

ל֔וֹ

וַיִּקְרְא֥וּ

H7121

which he had and they cried

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לְפָנָ֖יו

H6440

before him

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אַבְרֵ֑ךְ

H86

Bow the knee

kneel

#10

וְנָת֣וֹן

H5414

and he made

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#11

אֹת֔וֹ

H853

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

#12

עַ֖ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#13

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

אֶ֥רֶץ

H776

him ruler over all the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#15

מִצְרָֽיִם׃

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
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?

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