Genesis 48:22

Authorized King James Version

Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽאֲנִ֞י
i
#2
נָתַ֧תִּֽי
Moreover I have given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
לְךָ֛
H0
#4
שְׁכֶ֥ם
portion
the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill
#5
אַחַ֖ד
to thee one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
אַחֶ֑יךָ
above thy brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#8
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
לָקַ֙חְתִּי֙
which I took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#10
מִיַּ֣ד
out of the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#11
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י
of the Amorite
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
#12
בְּחַרְבִּ֖י
with my sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#13
וּבְקַשְׁתִּֽי׃
and with my bow
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

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