Genesis 45:26

Authorized King James Version

And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּגִּ֨דוּ

H5046

And told

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

ל֜וֹ

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

him saying

to say (used with great latitude)

ע֚וֹד

H5750

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

יוֹסֵ֣ף

H3130

Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

חַ֔י

H2416

is yet alive

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וְכִֽי

H3588

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

ה֥וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מֹשֵׁ֖ל

H4910

and he is governor

to rule

#10

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#11

אֶ֣רֶץ

H776

over all the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

מִצְרָ֑יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#13

וַיָּ֣פָג

H6313

fainted

to be sluggish

#14

לִבּ֔וֹ

H3820

And Jacob's heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#15

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

#16

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#17

הֶאֱמִ֖ין

H539

for he believed

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

#18

לָהֶֽם׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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

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?
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?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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