Genesis 45:1

Authorized King James Version

Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
יָכֹ֨ל
could
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#3
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Then Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#4
לְהִתְאַפֵּ֗ק
not refrain
to contain, i.e., (reflexive) abstain
#5
לְכֹ֤ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
הַנִּצָּבִים֙
himself before all them that stood
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#7
עָלָ֔יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
וַיִּקְרָ֕א
by him and he cried
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#9
הוֹצִ֥יאוּ
Cause
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#10
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
אִישׁ֙
every man
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)
#12
מֵֽעָלָ֑י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
עָ֤מַד
from me And there stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#15
אִישׁ֙
every man
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
אִתּ֔וֹ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#17
בְּהִתְוַדַּ֥ע
made himself known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#18
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Then Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#19
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#20
אֶחָֽיו׃
unto his brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Genesis.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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