Genesis 49:11

Authorized King James Version

Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֹֽסְרִ֤י
Binding
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
#2
לַגֶּ֙פֶן֙
unto the vine
a vine (as twining), especially the grape
#3
עִירֹ֔ה
his foal
properly, a young ass (as just broken to a load); hence an ass-colt
#4
וְלַשֹּׂרֵקָ֖ה
unto the choice vine
a vine stock (properly, one yielding purple grapes, the richest variety)
#5
בְּנִ֣י
colt
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
אֲתֹנ֑וֹ
and his ass's
a female donkey (from its docility)
#7
כִּבֵּ֤ס
he washed
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
#8
בַּיַּ֙יִן֙
in wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#9
לְבֻשׁ֔וֹ
his garments
a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife
#10
וּבְדַם
in the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#11
עֲנָבִ֖ים
of grapes
a grape
#12
סוּתֹֽה׃
and his clothes
covering, i.e., clothing

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.

Questions for Reflection

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