Genesis 46:3

Authorized King James Version

And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

אָֽנֹכִ֥י

H595

הָאֵ֖ל

H410

I am God

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

the 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

אָבִ֑יךָ

of thy father

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

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּירָא֙

H3372

fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מֵֽרְדָ֣ה

H3381

not to go down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מִצְרַ֔יְמָה

H4714

into Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#10

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#11

לְג֥וֹי

H1471

nation

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#12

גָּד֖וֹל

H1419

of thee a great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#13

אֲשִֽׂימְךָ֥

H7760

for I will there make

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

#14

שָֽׁם׃

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 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 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 sovereignty. 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 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 46 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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