Genesis 44:34

Authorized King James Version

For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּי

H3588

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

אֵיךְ֙

H349

For how

how? or how!; also where

אֶֽעֱלֶ֣ה

H5927

shall I go up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָבִֽי׃

my father

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

וְהַנַּ֖עַר

H5288

and 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

אֵינֶנּ֣וּ

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אִתִּ֑י

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

פֶּ֚ן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

#10

אֶרְאֶ֣ה

H7200

be not with me lest peradventure I see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#11

בָרָ֔ע

H7451

the evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#12

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#13

יִמְצָ֖א

H4672

that shall come on

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

אָבִֽי׃

my father

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. 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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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