Genesis 43:29

Authorized King James Version

And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשָּׂ֣א
H5375
And he lifted up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
עֵינָ֗יו
H5869
his eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#3
וַיַּ֞רְא
H7200
and saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#4
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
בִּנְיָמִ֣ין
H1144
Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#6
אֲחִיכֶ֣ם
H251
brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#7
בְּנִֽי׃
H1121
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
#8
אִמּוֹ֒
H517
his mother's
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#9
וַיֹּאמַ֕ר
H559
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
הֲזֶה֙
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#11
אֲחִיכֶ֣ם
H251
brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#12
הַקָּטֹ֔ן
H6996
Is this your younger
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#13
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
וַיֹּאמַ֕ר
H559
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#15
אֵלָ֑י
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
וַיֹּאמַ֕ר
H559
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#17
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
H430
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#18
יָחְנְךָ֖
H2603
be gracious
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
#19
בְּנִֽי׃
H1121
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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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 sovereignty. 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

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