Genesis 44:14

Authorized King James Version

And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph's house; for he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּבֹ֨א

H935

came

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

יְהוּדָ֤ה

H3063

And Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וְאֶחָיו֙

H251

and his brethren

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

בֵּ֣יתָה

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יוֹסֵ֔ף

H3130

to Joseph's

joseph, the name of seven israelites

וְה֖וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עוֹדֶ֣נּוּ

H5750

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

שָׁ֑ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וַיִּפְּל֥וּ

H5307

for he was yet there and they fell

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#10

לְפָנָ֖יו

H6440

before him

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

אָֽרְצָה׃

H776

on the ground

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 44 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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