Genesis 42:34

Authorized King James Version

And bring your youngest brother unto me: then shall I know that ye are no spies, but that ye are true men: so will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffick in the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֠הָבִיאוּ
H935
And bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
אֲחִיכֶם֙
H251
brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#4
הַקָּטֹן֮
H6996
your youngest
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#5
אֵלַי֒
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
וְאֵֽדְעָ֗ה
H3045
unto me then shall I know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#7
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
לֹ֤א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
מְרַגְּלִים֙
H7270
that ye are no spies
to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e., slander); to lead about
#10
אַתֶּ֔ם
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#11
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
כֵנִ֖ים
H3651
but that ye are true
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#13
אַתֶּ֑ם
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#14
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
אֲחִיכֶם֙
H251
brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#16
אֶתֵּ֣ן
H5414
men so will I deliver
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#17
לָכֶ֔ם
H0
#18
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
הָאָ֖רֶץ
H776
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#20
תִּסְחָֽרוּ׃
H5503
and ye shall traffick
to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate

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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