Genesis 46:30

Authorized King James Version

And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל

H3478

And Israel

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹסֵ֖ף

H3130

unto Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אָמ֣וּתָה

H4191

let me die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

הַפָּ֑עַם

H6471

Now

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

אַֽחֲרֵי֙

H310

since

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

רְאוֹתִ֣י

H7200

I have seen

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

אֶת

H853

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

#10

פָּנֶ֔יךָ

H6440

thy face

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

#11

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

#12

עֽוֹדְךָ֖

H5750

because thou art yet

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

#13

חָֽי׃

H2416

alive

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

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 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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?

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