Genesis 44:15

Authorized King James Version

And Joseph said unto them, What deed is this that ye have done? wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶם֙

יוֹסֵ֔ף

H3130

And Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

מָֽה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

הַמַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה

H4639

unto them What deed

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

הַזֶּ֖ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עֲשִׂיתֶ֑ם

H6213

is this that ye have done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הֲל֣וֹא

H3808

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

#10

יְדַעְתֶּ֔ם

H3045

wot ye

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

#11

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#12

יְנַחֵ֛שׁ

H5172

as I can certainly

properly, to hiss, i.e., whisper a (magic) spell; generally, to prognosticate

#13

יְנַחֵ֛שׁ

H5172

as I can certainly

properly, to hiss, i.e., whisper a (magic) spell; generally, to prognosticate

#14

אִ֖ישׁ

H376

not that such a 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)

#15

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

כָּמֹֽנִי׃

H3644

as, thus, so

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 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

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 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?
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?

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