Genesis 45:2

Authorized King James Version

And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
aloud
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
קֹל֖וֹ
And he wept
a voice or sound
#4
בִּבְכִ֑י
a weeping; by analogy, a dripping
#5
וַיִּשְׁמַ֖ע
heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#6
מִצְרַ֔יִם
a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim
#7
וַיִּשְׁמַ֖ע
heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#8
בֵּ֥ית
and the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
פַּרְעֹֽה׃
of Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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