Genesis 44:13

Authorized King James Version

Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיִּקְרְע֖וּ
Then they rent
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
#2
שִׂמְלֹתָ֑ם
their clothes
a dress, especially a mantle
#3
וַֽיַּעֲמֹס֙
and laded
to load, i.e., impose a burden (or figuratively, infliction)
#4
אִ֣ישׁ
every 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)
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
חֲמֹר֔וֹ
his ass
a male ass (from its dun red)
#7
וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ
and returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#8
הָעִֽירָה׃
to the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

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

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