Genesis 43:7

Authorized King James Version

And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down?

Word-by-Word Analysis

יֹאמַ֔ר

H559

And they said

to say (used with great latitude)

שָֽׁאַל

H7592

asked

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

שָֽׁאַל

H7592

asked

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

הָ֠אִישׁ

H376

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)

לָ֣נוּ

וּלְמֽוֹלַדְתֵּ֜נוּ

H4138

of our state and of our kindred

nativity (plural birth-place); by implication, lineage, native country; also offspring, family

יֹאמַ֔ר

H559

And they said

to say (used with great latitude)

הַע֨וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אֲבִיכֶ֥ם

Is your father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#10

חַי֙

H2416

yet alive

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#11

הֲיֵ֣שׁ

H3426

have ye

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

#12

לָכֶ֣ם

#13

אֲחִיכֶֽם׃

H251

another brother

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

#14

וַנַ֨גֶּד

H5046

and we told

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

#15

ל֔וֹ

#16

עַל

H5921

him according

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#17

פִּ֖י

H6310

to the tenor

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#18

הַדְּבָרִ֣ים

H1697

of these words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#19

הָאֵ֑לֶּה

H428

these or those

#20

נֵדַ֔ע

H3045

could we certainly

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#21

נֵדַ֔ע

H3045

could we certainly

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#22

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#23

יֹאמַ֔ר

H559

And they said

to say (used with great latitude)

#24

הוֹרִ֖ידוּ

H3381

Bring

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

#25

אֶת

H853

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

#26

אֲחִיכֶֽם׃

H251

another brother

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

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 literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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

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