Genesis 42:37

Authorized King James Version

And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

רְאוּבֵן֙

H7205

And Reuben

reuben, a son of jacob

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָבִ֣יו

unto his father

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶת

H853

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

שְׁנֵ֤י

H8147

my two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בָנַי֙

H1121

sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

תָּמִ֔ית

H4191

Slay

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#10

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#11

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#12

אֲבִיאֶ֖נּוּ

H935

if I bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#13

אֵלֶ֑יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

תְּנָ֤ה

H5414

him not to thee deliver

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

#15

אֹתוֹ֙

H853

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

#16

עַל

H5921

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

#17

יָדִ֔י

H3027

him into my hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#18

וַֽאֲנִ֖י

H589

#19

אֲשִׁיבֶ֥נּוּ

H7725

and I will bring him to thee again

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

#20

אֵלֶֽיךָ׃

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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

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

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

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