Genesis 42:22

Authorized King James Version

And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּעַן֩

H6030

answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

רְאוּבֵ֨ן

H7205

And Reuben

reuben, a son of jacob

אֹתָ֜ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לֵאמֹ֛ר

H559

Spake I

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲלוֹא֩

H3808

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

לֵאמֹ֛ר

H559

Spake I

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיכֶ֧ם׀

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹ֛ר

H559

Spake I

to say (used with great latitude)

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#10

תֶּֽחֶטְא֥וּ

H2398

Do not sin

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

#11

בַיֶּ֖לֶד

H3206

against the child

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

#12

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#13

שְׁמַעְתֶּ֑ם

H8085

and ye would not hear

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

#14

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#15

דָּמ֖וֹ

H1818

therefore behold also his blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

#16

הִנֵּ֥ה

H2009

lo!

#17

נִדְרָֽשׁ׃

H1875

is required

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

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?
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?

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