Genesis 44:29

Authorized King James Version

And if ye take this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּלְקַחְתֶּ֧ם
And if ye take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
זֶ֛ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#5
מֵעִ֥ם
this also from
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#6
פָּנַ֖י
me
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
וְקָרָ֣הוּ
befall him
to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)
#8
אָס֑וֹן
and mischief
hurt
#9
וְהֽוֹרַדְתֶּ֧ם
ye shall bring 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
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
שֵֽׂיבָתִ֛י
my gray hairs
old age
#12
בְּרָעָ֖ה
with sorrow
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#13
שְׁאֹֽלָה׃
to the grave
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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