Genesis 42:17

Authorized King James Version

And he put them all together into ward three days.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֶּֽאֱסֹ֥ף
And he put them all together
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#2
אֹתָ֛ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מִשְׁמָ֖ר
into ward
a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely)
#5
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#6
יָמִֽים׃
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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