Genesis 48:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֗י

H1961

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

אַֽחֲרֵי֙

H310

And it came to pass after

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

הַדְּבָרִ֣ים

H1697

these things

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֔לֶּה

H428

these or those

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

that one told

to say (used with great latitude)

לְיוֹסֵ֔ף

H3130

Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

הִנֵּ֥ה

H2009

lo!

אָבִ֖יךָ

Behold thy father

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

חֹלֶ֑ה

H2470

is sick

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

#10

וַיִּקַּ֞ח

H3947

and he took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

שְׁנֵ֤י

H8147

with him his two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#13

בָנָיו֙

H1121

sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#14

עִמּ֔וֹ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#15

אֶת

H853

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

#16

מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה

H4519

Manasseh

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#17

וְאֶת

H853

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

#18

אֶפְרָֽיִם׃

H669

and Ephraim

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation 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 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 divine revelation. 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

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 48 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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 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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline