Genesis 45:17

Authorized King James Version

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱמֹ֥ר
Say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
פַּרְעֹה֙
And Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
יוֹסֵ֔ף
unto Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#5
אֱמֹ֥ר
Say
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
אַחֶ֖יךָ
unto thy brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#8
זֹ֣את
this (often used adverb)
#9
עֲשׂ֑וּ
This do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#10
טַֽעֲנוּ֙
ye lade
to load a beast
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
בְּעִ֣ירְכֶ֔ם
your beasts
cattle
#13
וּלְכוּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
בֹ֖אוּ
get
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#15
אַ֥רְצָה
you unto the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#16
כְּנָֽעַן׃
of Canaan
kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

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 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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