Genesis 47:27

Authorized King James Version

And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב
dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#2
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
And Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#3
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
in the country
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#4
מִצְרַ֖יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#5
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
in the country
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#6
גֹּ֑שֶׁן
of Goshen
goshen, the residence of the israelites in egypt; also a place in palestine
#7
וַיֵּאָֽחֲז֣וּ
and they had possessions
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
#8
בָ֔הּ
H0
#9
וַיִּפְר֥וּ
therein and grew
to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)
#10
וַיִּרְבּ֖וּ
and multiplied
to increase (in whatever respect)
#11
מְאֹֽד׃
exceedingly
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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