Genesis 41:49

Authorized King James Version

And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּצְבֹּ֨ר

H6651

gathered

to aggregate

יוֹסֵ֥ף

H3130

And Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

בָּ֛ר

H1250

corn

grain of any kind (even while standing in the field); by extension the open country

כְּח֥וֹל

H2344

as the sand

sand (as round or whirling particles)

הַיָּ֖ם

H3220

of the sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

הַרְבֵּ֣ה

H7235

much

to increase (in whatever respect)

מְאֹ֑ד

H3966

very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

עַ֛ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#10

חָדַ֥ל

H2308

until he left

properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle

#11

לִסְפֹּ֖ר

H5608

numbering

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

#12

כִּי

H3588

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

#13

אֵ֥ין

H369

for it was without

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#14

מִסְפָּֽר׃

H4557

number

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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