Genesis 45:18

Authorized King James Version

And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּקְח֧וּ

H3947

And take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

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

אֲבִיכֶ֛ם

your father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאֶת

H853

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

בָּֽתֵּיכֶ֖ם

H1004

and your households

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

וּבֹ֣אוּ

H935

and come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלָ֑י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאֶתְּנָ֣ה

H5414

unto me and I will give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָכֶ֗ם

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

טוּב֙

H2898

you the good

good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare

#12

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#13

מִצְרַ֔יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#14

וְאִכְל֖וּ

H398

and ye shall eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#15

אֶת

H853

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

#16

חֵ֥לֶב

H2459

the fat

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

#17

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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

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

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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