Genesis 46:32

Authorized King James Version

And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַנְשֵׁ֥י

H582

And the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

רֹ֣עֵי

H7462

are shepherds

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

וְצֹאנָ֧ם

H6629

their flocks

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

כִּֽי

H3588

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

אַנְשֵׁ֥י

H582

And the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

מִקְנֶ֖ה

H4735

for their trade hath been to feed cattle

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

הָי֑וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וְצֹאנָ֧ם

H6629

their flocks

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וּבְקָרָ֛ם

H1241

and their herds

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

#10

וְכָל

H3605

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

#11

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

לָהֶ֖ם

#13

הֵבִֽיאוּ׃

H935

and they have brought

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation 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?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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