Genesis 44:26

Authorized King James Version

And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with us.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַנֹּ֕אמֶר
H559
And we said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
נוּכַ֗ל
H3201
We cannot
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#4
וְיָרַ֔דְנוּ
H3381
go down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#5
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#6
יֵשׁ֩
H3426
be
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
#7
וְאָחִ֥ינוּ
H251
brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#8
הַקָּטֹ֖ן
H6996
if our youngest
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#9
אִתָּ֙נוּ֙
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#10
וְיָרַ֔דְנוּ
H3381
go down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#11
כִּי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
נוּכַ֗ל
H3201
We cannot
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#14
לִרְאוֹת֙
H7200
not see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#15
פְּנֵ֣י
H6440
face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#16
הָאִ֔ישׁ
H376
the 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)
#17
וְאָחִ֥ינוּ
H251
brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#18
הַקָּטֹ֖ן
H6996
if our youngest
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#19
אֵינֶ֥נּוּ
H369
except
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#20
אִתָּֽנוּ׃
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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