Genesis 49:28

Authorized King James Version

All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
אֵ֛לֶּה
these or those
#3
שִׁבְטֵ֥י
tribes
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
שְׁנֵ֣ים
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#6
עָשָׂ֑ר
All these are the twelve
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#7
וְ֠זֹאת
this (often used adverb)
#8
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
them every
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
דִּבֶּ֨ר
spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#10
לָהֶ֤ם
H0
#11
אֲבִיהֶם֙
H1
and this is it that their father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#12
בֵּרַ֥ךְ
he blessed
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#13
אוֹתָ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
אִ֛ישׁ
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#15
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
them every
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
כְּבִרְכָת֖וֹ
according to his blessing
benediction; by implication prosperity
#17
בֵּרַ֥ךְ
he blessed
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#18
אֹתָֽם׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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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