Genesis 42:9

Authorized King James Version

And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּזְכֹּ֣ר
remembered
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#2
יוֹסֵ֔ף
And Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#3
אֵ֚ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הַֽחֲלֹמ֔וֹת
the dreams
a dream
#5
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
חָלַ֖ם
which he dreamed
properly, to bind firmly, i.e., (through the figurative sense of dumbness) to dream
#7
לָהֶ֑ם
H0
#8
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
of them and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
אֲלֵהֶם֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
מְרַגְּלִ֣ים
unto them Ye are spies
to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e., slander); to lead about
#11
אַתֶּ֔ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#12
לִרְא֛וֹת
to see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
עֶרְוַ֥ת
the nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
#15
הָאָ֖רֶץ
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#16
בָּאתֶֽם׃
ye are come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

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 literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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