Genesis 43:30

Authorized King James Version

And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְמַהֵ֣ר

H4116

made haste

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

יוֹסֵ֗ף

H3130

And Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

כִּֽי

H3588

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

נִכְמְר֤וּ

H3648

did yearn

properly, to intertwine or contract, i.e., (by implication) to shrivel (as with heat); figuratively, to be deeply affected with passion (love or pity)

רַֽחֲמָיו֙

H7356

for his bowels

compassion (in the plural)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָחִ֔יו

H251

upon his brother

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

וַיְבַקֵּ֖שׁ

H1245

and he sought

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

וַיֵּ֥בְךְּ

H1058

and wept

to weep; generally to bemoan

#10

וַיָּבֹ֥א

H935

and he entered

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

הַחַ֖דְרָה

H2315

into his chamber

an apartment (usually literal)

#12

וַיֵּ֥בְךְּ

H1058

and wept

to weep; generally to bemoan

#13

שָֽׁמָּה׃

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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 the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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