Genesis 44:22

Authorized King James Version

And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַנֹּ֙אמֶר֙
And we said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אֲדֹנִ֔י
unto my lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#4
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יוּכַ֥ל
cannot
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#6
הַנַּ֖עַר
The lad
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#7
וְעָזַ֥ב
for if he should leave
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אָבִ֖יו
H1
his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#10
וְעָזַ֥ב
for if he should leave
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
אָבִ֖יו
H1
his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#13
וָמֵֽת׃
his father would die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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