Genesis 43:9

Authorized King James Version

I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever:

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָֽנֹכִי֙

H595

אֶֽעֶרְבֶ֔נּוּ

H6148

I will be surety

to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)

מִיָּדִ֖י

H3027

for him of my hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

תְּבַקְשֶׁ֑נּוּ

H1245

shalt thou require

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

אִם

H518

him if

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

לֹ֨א

H3808

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

הֲבִֽיאֹתִ֤יו

H935

I bring

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

אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְהִצַּגְתִּ֣יו

H3322

unto thee and set

to place permanently

#10

לְפָנֶ֔יךָ

H6440

him before thee

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

#11

וְחָטָ֥אתִֽי

H2398

then let me bear the blame

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

#12

לְךָ֖

#13

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

הַיָּמִֽים׃

H3117

for ever

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 43 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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 this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline