Genesis 42:2

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֣ה

H2009

lo!

שָׁמַ֔עְתִּי

H8085

Behold I have heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

יֶשׁ

H3426

that there is

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

שֶׁ֖בֶר

H7668

corn

grain (as if broken into kernels)

בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם

H4714

in Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

רְדוּ

H3381

get you down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

שָׁ֙מָּה֙

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#10

וְשִׁבְרוּ

H7666

thither and buy

to deal in grain

#11

לָ֣נוּ

#12

מִשָּׁ֔ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#13

וְנִֽחְיֶ֖ה

H2421

for us from thence that we may live

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

#14

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

נָמֽוּת׃

H4191

and not die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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