Genesis 43:19

Authorized King James Version

And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיִּגְּשׁוּ֙
And they came near
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הָאִ֔ישׁ
to the steward
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)
#4
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
הַבָּֽיִת׃
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#7
יוֹסֵ֑ף
of Joseph's
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#8
וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ
and they communed
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#9
אֵלָ֖יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
פֶּ֥תַח
with him at the door
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
#11
הַבָּֽיִת׃
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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