Genesis 46:28

Authorized King James Version

And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֶת

H853

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

יְהוּדָ֞ה

H3063

Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

שָׁלַ֤ח

H7971

And he sent

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

לְפָנָ֖יו

H6440

before him

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹסֵ֔ף

H3130

unto Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

לְהוֹרֹ֥ת

H3384

to direct

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

לְפָנָ֖יו

H6440

before him

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

גֹּֽשֶׁן׃

H1657

of Goshen

goshen, the residence of the israelites in egypt; also a place in palestine

#10

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ

H935

and they came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

אַ֥רְצָה

H776

into the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

גֹּֽשֶׁן׃

H1657

of Goshen

goshen, the residence of the israelites in egypt; also a place in palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 46 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?

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