Genesis 45:11

Authorized King James Version

And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכִלְכַּלְתִּ֤י

H3557

And there will I nourish

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

אֹֽתְךָ֙

H853

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

שָׁ֔ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

כִּי

H3588

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

ע֛וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

חָמֵ֥שׁ

H2568

thee for yet there are five

five

שָׁנִ֖ים

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

רָעָ֑ב

H7458

of famine

hunger (more or less extensive)

פֶּן

H6435

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

#10

תִּוָּרֵ֛שׁ

H3423

and all that thou hast come to poverty

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

#11

אַתָּ֥ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#12

וּבֵֽיתְךָ֖

H1004

lest thou and thy household

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

#13

וְכָל

H3605

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

#14

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#15

לָֽךְ׃

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

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 45 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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 revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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