Genesis 46:29

Authorized King James Version

And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֶּאְסֹ֤ר

H631

made ready

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

יוֹסֵף֙

H3130

And Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

מֶרְכַּבְתּ֔וֹ

H4818

his chariot

a chariot

וַיַּ֛עַל

H5927

and went up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

לִקְרַֽאת

H7125

to meet

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל

H3478

Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אָבִ֖יו

his father

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

גֹּ֑שְׁנָה

H1657

to Goshen

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

וַיֵּרָ֣א

H7200

and presented

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#10

אֵלָ֗יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

וַיִּפֹּל֙

H5307

himself unto him and he fell

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#12

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#13

צַוָּארָ֖יו

H6677

on his neck

the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)

#14

וַיֵּ֥בְךְּ

H1058

and wept

to weep; generally to bemoan

#15

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#16

צַוָּארָ֖יו

H6677

on his neck

the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)

#17

עֽוֹד׃

H5750

a good while

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

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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 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?

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