Genesis 42:38

Authorized King James Version

And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא

H3808

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

וְהֽוֹרַדְתֶּ֧ם

H3381

shall not go down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

בְּנִ֖י

H1121

My son

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

עִמָּכֶ֑ם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָחִ֨יו

H251

with you for his brother

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

מֵ֜ת

H4191

is dead

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

וְה֧וּא

H1931

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

#10

לְבַדּ֣וֹ

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

#11

נִשְׁאָ֗ר

H7604

and he is left

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

#12

וּקְרָאָ֤הוּ

H7122

befall

to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner

#13

אָסוֹן֙

H611

alone if mischief

hurt

#14

בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙

H1870

him by the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#15

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

תֵּֽלְכוּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#17

בָ֔הּ

#18

וְהֽוֹרַדְתֶּ֧ם

H3381

shall not go down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#19

אֶת

H853

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

#20

שֵֽׂיבָתִ֛י

H7872

my gray hairs

old age

#21

בְּיָג֖וֹן

H3015

with sorrow

affliction

#22

שְׁאֽוֹלָה׃

H7585

to the grave

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

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

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 42 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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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