Genesis 42:35

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack: and when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֗י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הֵ֚ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מְרִיקִ֣ים

H7324

And it came to pass as they emptied

to pour out (literally or figuratively), i.e., empty

בְּשַׂקּ֑וֹ

H8242

their sacks

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

וְהִנֵּה

H2009

lo!

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

that behold 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)

צְרֹר֧וֹת

H6872

bundle

a parcel (as packed up); also a kernel or particle (as if a package)

כַּסְפֵּיהֶ֛ם

H3701

of money

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

בְּשַׂקּ֑וֹ

H8242

their sacks

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

#10

וַיִּרְא֞וּ

H7200

saw

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

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

צְרֹר֧וֹת

H6872

bundle

a parcel (as packed up); also a kernel or particle (as if a package)

#13

כַּסְפֵּיהֶ֛ם

H3701

of money

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

#14

הֵ֥מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#15

וַֽאֲבִיהֶ֖ם

and when both they and their father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#16

וַיִּירָֽאוּ׃

H3372

they were afraid

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 42 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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