Genesis 42:21

Authorized King James Version

And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּֽאמְר֞וּ

H559

And they said

to say (used with great latitude)

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָחִינוּ֒

H251

concerning our brother

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

אֲבָל֮

H61

We are verily

nay, i.e., truly or yet

אֲשֵׁמִ֣ים׀

H818

guilty

guilty; hence, presenting a sin-offering

אֲנַחְנוּ֮

H587

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אָחִינוּ֒

H251

concerning our brother

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

#10

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

in that

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

רָאִ֜ינוּ

H7200

we saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#12

הַצָּרָ֖ה

H6869

the anguish

transitively, a female rival

#13

נַפְשׁ֛וֹ

H5315

of his soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#14

בְּהִתְחַֽנְנ֥וֹ

H2603

when he besought

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

#15

אֵלֵ֖ינוּ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#16

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#17

שָׁמָ֑עְנוּ

H8085

us and we would not hear

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

#18

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#19

כֵּן֙

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#20

בָּ֣אָה

H935

come

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

#21

אֵלֵ֔ינוּ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#22

הַצָּרָ֖ה

H6869

the anguish

transitively, a female rival

#23

הַזֹּֽאת׃

H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 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 divine revelation. 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

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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