Genesis 48:18

Authorized King James Version

And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יוֹסֵ֛ף

H3130

And Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָבִ֑י

Not so my father

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

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כֵ֣ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אָבִ֑י

Not so my father

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

כִּי

H3588

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

זֶ֣ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#10

הַבְּכֹ֔ר

H1060

for this is the firstborn

first-born; hence, chief

#11

שִׂ֥ים

H7760

put

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#12

יְמִֽינְךָ֖

H3225

thy right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

#13

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#14

רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃

H7218

upon his head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 48 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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