Genesis 43:5

Authorized King James Version

But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֵֽינְךָ֥

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מְשַׁלֵּ֖חַ

H7971

But if thou wilt not send

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

נֵרֵ֑ד

H3381

him we will not go down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

כִּֽי

H3588

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

הָאִ֞ישׁ

H376

for the man

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)

אָמַ֤ר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֵ֙ינוּ֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#11

תִרְא֣וּ

H7200

unto us Ye shall not see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#12

פָנַ֔י

H6440

my face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#13

בִּלְתִּ֖י

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

#14

אֲחִיכֶ֥ם

H251

except your brother

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

#15

אִתְּכֶֽם׃

H854

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

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 43 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?

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