Genesis 42:16

Authorized King James Version

Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שִׁלְח֨וּ
H7971
Send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
מִכֶּ֣ם
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#3
אֶחָד֮
H259
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#4
וְיִקַּ֣ח
H3947
of you and let him fetch
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
אֲחִיכֶם֒
H251
your brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#7
וְאַתֶּם֙
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#8
הֵאָ֣סְר֔וּ
H631
and ye shall be kept in prison
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
#9
וְיִבָּֽחֲנוּ֙
H974
may be proved
to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
#10
דִּבְרֵיכֶ֔ם
H1697
that your words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#11
הַֽאֱמֶ֖ת
H571
whether there be any truth
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#12
אִתְּכֶ֑ם
H854
in
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#13
וְאִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#14
לֹ֕א
H3808
you or else
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
חֵ֣י
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
#16
פַרְעֹ֔ה
H6547
of Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#17
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#18
מְרַגְּלִ֖ים
H7270
surely ye are spies
to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e., slander); to lead about
#19
אַתֶּֽם׃
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of truth connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about truth, 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 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 truth. 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

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