Genesis 42:19

Authorized King James Version

If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
כֵּנִ֣ים
If ye be true
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
אַתֶּ֔ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#4
אֲחִיכֶ֣ם
of your brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#5
אֶחָ֔ד
men let one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#6
יֵֽאָסֵ֖ר
be bound
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
#7
בָּֽתֵּיכֶֽם׃
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
מִשְׁמַרְכֶ֑ם
of your prison
a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely)
#9
וְאַתֶּם֙
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#10
לְכ֣וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
הָבִ֔יאוּ
ye carry
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
שֶׁ֖בֶר
corn
grain (as if broken into kernels)
#13
רַֽעֲב֥וֹן
for the famine
famine
#14
בָּֽתֵּיכֶֽם׃
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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