Genesis 45:4

Authorized King James Version

And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

יוֹסֵ֣ף

H3130

And Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲחִיכֶ֔ם

H251

unto his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וַיִּגָּ֑שׁוּ

H5066

Come near

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

נָ֥א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֵלַ֖י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיִּגָּ֑שׁוּ

H5066

Come near

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

אֲנִי֙

H589

#11

יוֹסֵ֣ף

H3130

And Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

#12

אֲחִיכֶ֔ם

H251

unto his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#13

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

מְכַרְתֶּ֥ם

H4376

whom ye sold

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

#15

אֹתִ֖י

H853

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

#16

מִצְרָֽיְמָה׃

H4714

into Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

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

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 45 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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 understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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