Genesis 44:1

Authorized King James Version

And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְצַ֞ו
H6680
And he commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#2
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
as much as
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
בֵּיתוֹ֮
H1004
the steward of his house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
לֵאמֹר֒
H559
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
מַלֵּ֞א
H4390
Fill
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#8
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אַמְתַּחְתּֽוֹ׃
H572
in his sack's
properly, something expansive, i.e., a bag
#10
אִ֖ישׁ
H376
every man's
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)
#11
אֹ֔כֶל
H400
with food
food
#12
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
as much as
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
יֽוּכְל֖וּן
H3201
they can
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#14
שְׂאֵ֑ת
H5375
carry
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#15
וְשִׂ֥ים
H7760
and put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#16
כֶּֽסֶף
H3701
money
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#17
אִ֖ישׁ
H376
every man's
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)
#18
בְּפִ֥י
H6310
mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#19
אַמְתַּחְתּֽוֹ׃
H572
in his sack's
properly, something expansive, i.e., a bag

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 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

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