Genesis 47:23

Authorized King James Version

Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יוֹסֵף֙

H3130

Then Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעָ֔ם

H5971

unto the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הֵן֩

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

קָנִ֨יתִי

H7069

Behold I have bought

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

אֶתְכֶ֥ם

H853

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

הַיּ֛וֹם

H3117

you this day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְאֶת

H853

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

#10

הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃

H127

and your land

soil (from its general redness)

#11

לְפַרְעֹ֑ה

H6547

for Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

#12

הֵֽא

H1887

lo!

#13

לָכֶ֣ם

#14

זֶ֔רַע

H2233

here is seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

#15

וּזְרַעְתֶּ֖ם

H2232

for you and ye shall sow

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

#16

אֶת

H853

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

#17

הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃

H127

and your land

soil (from its general redness)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community. 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 does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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