Genesis 45:8

Authorized King James Version

So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֗ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

לֹֽא

H3808

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

אַתֶּ֞ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

שְׁלַחְתֶּ֤ם

H7971

So now it was not you that sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֹתִי֙

H853

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

הֵ֔נָּה

H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

כִּ֖י

H3588

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

me hither but God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיְשִׂימֵ֨נִֽי

H7760

and he hath made

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#10

לְאָ֜ב

me a father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#11

לְפַרְעֹ֗ה

H6547

to Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

#12

וּלְאָדוֹן֙

H113

and lord

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

#13

לְכָל

H3605

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

#14

בֵּית֔וֹ

H1004

of all his house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#15

וּמֹשֵׁ֖ל

H4910

and a ruler

to rule

#16

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#17

אֶ֥רֶץ

H776

throughout all the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#18

מִצְרָֽיִם׃

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 45 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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