Genesis 43:21

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֞י
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כִּי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
בָ֣אנוּ
H935
And it came to pass when we came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
הַמָּל֗וֹן
H4411
to the inn
a lodgment, i.e., caravanserai or encampment
#6
וַֽנִּפְתְּחָה֙
H6605
that we opened
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#7
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
אַמְתַּחְתּ֔וֹ
H572
of his sack
properly, something expansive, i.e., a bag
#9
וְהִנֵּ֤ה
H2009
lo!
#10
כַּסְפֵּ֖נוּ
H3701
money
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#11
אִישׁ֙
H376
and behold every man's
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)
#12
בְּפִ֣י
H6310
was in the mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#13
אַמְתַּחְתּ֔וֹ
H572
of his sack
properly, something expansive, i.e., a bag
#14
כַּסְפֵּ֖נוּ
H3701
money
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#15
בְּמִשְׁקָל֑וֹ
H4948
in full weight
weight (numerically estimated); hence, weighing (the act)
#16
וַנָּ֥שֶׁב
H7725
and we have brought it again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#17
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
בְּיָדֵֽנוּ׃
H3027
in our 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

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

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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