Genesis 43:32

Authorized King James Version

And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ

H7760

And they set on

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

ל֛וֹ

לְבַדּ֖וֹ

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

וְלָהֶ֣ם

לְבַדָּ֑ם

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

הַמִּצְרִ֗ים

H4713

for him by himself and for them by themselves and for the Egyptians

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

לֶֽאֱכֹ֤ל

H398

not eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אִתּוֹ֙

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לְבַדָּ֔ם

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

#10

כִּי֩

H3588

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

#11

לֹ֨א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#12

יֽוּכְל֜וּן

H3201

might

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#13

הַמִּצְרִ֗ים

H4713

for him by himself and for them by themselves and for the Egyptians

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

#14

לֶֽאֱכֹ֤ל

H398

not eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#15

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

הָֽעִבְרִים֙

H5680

with the Hebrews

an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber

#17

לֶ֔חֶם

H3899

bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#18

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#19

תוֹעֵבָ֥ה

H8441

for that is an abomination

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

#20

הִ֖וא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#21

לְמִצְרָֽיִם׃

H4714

unto the Egyptians

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community. 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

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?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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