Genesis 46:34

Authorized King James Version

That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֗ם

H559

That ye shall say

to say (used with great latitude)

אַנְשֵׁ֨י

H582

trade

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

מִקְנֶ֜ה

H4735

hath been about cattle

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

הָי֤וּ

H1961

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

עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙

H5650

Thy servants

a servant

מִנְּעוּרֵ֣ינוּ

H5271

from our youth

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עַ֔תָּה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#10

אֲנַ֖חְנוּ

H587

#11

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#12

אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ

even until now both we and also our fathers

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

#13

בַּֽעֲב֗וּר

H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

#14

תֵּֽשְׁבוּ֙

H3427

that ye may dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#15

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#16

גֹּ֔שֶׁן

H1657

of Goshen

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

#17

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#18

תוֹעֲבַ֥ת

H8441

is an abomination

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

#19

מִצְרַ֖יִם

H4714

unto the Egyptians

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#20

כָּל

H3605

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

#21

רֹ֥עֵה

H7462

for every shepherd

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

#22

צֹֽאן׃

H6629

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

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

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?
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?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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