Genesis 45:28

Authorized King James Version

And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
And Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#3
רַ֛ב
It is enough
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#4
עוֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#5
יוֹסֵ֥ף
Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#6
בְּנִ֖י
my son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
חָ֑י
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
#8
אֵֽלְכָ֥ה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
וְאֶרְאֶ֖נּוּ
and see him
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#10
בְּטֶ֥רֶם
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
#11
אָמֽוּת׃
before I die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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