Genesis 44:8

Authorized King James Version

Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks' mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan: how then should we steal out of thy lord's house silver or gold?

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֵ֣ן

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

כֶּ֖סֶף

H3701

Behold the money

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

מָצָ֙אנוּ֙

H4672

which we found

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

בְּפִ֣י

H6310

mouths

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

אַמְתְּחֹתֵ֔ינוּ

H572

in our sacks

properly, something expansive, i.e., a bag

הֱשִׁיבֹ֥נוּ

H7725

we brought again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֵלֶ֖יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

unto thee out of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

כְּנָ֑עַן

H3667

of Canaan

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

#11

וְאֵ֗יךְ

H349

how? or how!; also where

#12

נִגְנֹב֙

H1589

how then should we steal

to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive

#13

מִבֵּ֣ית

H1004

house

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

#14

אֲדֹנֶ֔יךָ

H113

out of thy lord's

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

#15

כֶּ֖סֶף

H3701

Behold the money

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

#16

א֥וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#17

זָהָֽב׃

H2091

or gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

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 sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. 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 passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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