Genesis 42:36

Authorized King James Version

And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶם֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יַֽעֲקֹ֣ב

H3290

And Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

אֲבִיהֶ֔ם

their father

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

אֹתִ֖י

H853

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

שִׁכַּלְתֶּ֑ם

H7921

unto them Me have ye bereaved

properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)

יוֹסֵ֤ף

H3130

of my children Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֵינֶ֙נּוּ֙

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

וְשִׁמְע֣וֹן

H8095

is not and Simeon

shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him

#10

אֵינֶ֔נּוּ

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#11

וְאֶת

H853

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

#12

בִּנְיָמִ֣ן

H1144

Benjamin

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#13

תִּקָּ֔חוּ

H3947

is not and ye will take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#14

עָלַ֖י

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#15

הָי֥וּ

H1961

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

#16

כֻלָּֽנָה׃

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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