Genesis 42:25

Authorized King James Version

Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְצַ֣ו

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יוֹסֵ֗ף

H3130

Then Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

וַיְמַלְא֣וּ

H4390

to fill

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אֶת

H853

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

כְּלֵיהֶם֮

H3627

their sacks

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

בָּר֒

H1250

with corn

grain of any kind (even while standing in the field); by extension the open country

וּלְהָשִׁ֤יב

H7725

and to restore

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

כַּסְפֵּיהֶם֙

H3701

money

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

every man's

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)

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

שַׂקּ֔וֹ

H8242

into his sack

properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

#12

וְלָתֵ֥ת

H5414

and to give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#13

לָהֶ֛ם

#14

צֵדָ֖ה

H6720

them provision

food

#15

לַדָּ֑רֶךְ

H1870

for the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#16

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ

H6213

did he

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#17

לָהֶ֖ם

#18

כֵּֽן׃

H3651

and thus

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. 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

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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