Genesis 44:4

Authorized King James Version

And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֵ֠ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יָֽצְא֣וּ

H3318

And when they were gone out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת

H853

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

הָעִיר֮

H5892

of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

הִרְחִיקוּ֒

H7368

and not yet far off

to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)

וְיוֹסֵ֤ף

H3130

Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

לַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#10

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

בֵּית֔וֹ

H1004

unto his steward

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#12

ק֥וּם

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#13

רְדֹ֖ף

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

#14

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#15

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֑ים

H376

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)

#16

וְהִשַּׂגְתָּם֙

H5381

and when thou dost overtake

to reach (literally or figuratively)

#17

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

#18

אֲלֵהֶ֔ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#19

לָ֛מָּה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#20

שִׁלַּמְתֶּ֥ם

H7999

unto them Wherefore have ye rewarded

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

#21

רָעָ֖ה

H7451

evil

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

#22

תַּ֥חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#23

טוֹבָֽה׃

H2896

for good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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?
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?

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