Genesis 42:27

Authorized King James Version

And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּפְתַּ֨ח
of them opened
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#2
הָֽאֶחָ֜ד
And as one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
שַׂקּ֗וֹ
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
#5
לָתֵ֥ת
to give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
מִסְפּ֛וֹא
provender
fodder
#7
לַֽחֲמֹר֖וֹ
his ass
a male ass (from its dun red)
#8
בַּמָּל֑וֹן
in the inn
a lodgment, i.e., caravanserai or encampment
#9
וַיַּרְא֙
he espied
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
כַּסְפּ֔וֹ
his money
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#12
וְהִנֵּה
lo!
#13
ה֖וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#14
בְּפִ֥י
mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#15
אַמְתַּחְתּֽוֹ׃
for behold it was in his sack's
properly, something expansive, i.e., a bag

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

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