Genesis 44:32

Authorized King James Version

For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

עַבְדְּךָ֙

H5650

For thy servant

a servant

עָרַ֣ב

H6148

became surety

to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַנַּ֔עַר

H5288

for 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

מֵעִ֥ם

H5973

unto

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

לְאָבִ֖י

my father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לֵאמֹ֑ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#10

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

#11

אֲבִיאֶ֙נּוּ֙

H935

If I bring

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

#12

אֵלֶ֔יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

וְחָטָ֥אתִי

H2398

him not unto thee then I shall bear the blame

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

#14

לְאָבִ֖י

my father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#15

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

הַיָּמִֽים׃

H3117

for ever

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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