Genesis 42:15

Authorized King James Version

Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְּזֹ֖את

H2063

Hereby

this (often used adverb)

תִּבָּחֵ֑נוּ

H974

ye shall be proved

to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate

חֵ֤י

H2416

By the life

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

פַרְעֹה֙

H6547

of Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תֵּֽצְא֣וּ

H3318

ye shall not go forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִזֶּ֔ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

כִּ֧י

H3588

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

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#10

בְּב֛וֹא

H935

come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

אֲחִיכֶ֥ם

H251

brother

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#12

הַקָּטֹ֖ן

H6996

hence except your youngest

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

#13

הֵֽנָּה׃

H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, 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 life 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 might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on life address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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