Genesis 45:21

Authorized King James Version

And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ
did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
כֵן֙
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
בְּנֵ֣י
And the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
and gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
לָהֶ֥ם
H0
#7
יוֹסֵ֛ף
so and Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#8
עֲגָל֖וֹת
them wagons
something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
פִּ֣י
according to the commandment
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#11
פַרְעֹ֑ה
of Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#12
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
and gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#13
לָהֶ֛ם
H0
#14
צֵדָ֖ה
them provision
food
#15
לַדָּֽרֶךְ׃
for the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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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