Genesis 41:53

Authorized King James Version

And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּכְלֶ֕ינָה
were ended
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#2
שֶׁ֖בַע
And the seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#3
שְׁנֵ֣י
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#4
הַשָּׂבָ֑ע
of plenteousness
copiousness
#5
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
הָיָ֖ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
בְּאֶ֥רֶץ
that was in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#8
מִצְרָֽיִם׃
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

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

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