Genesis 50:1

Authorized King James Version

And Joseph fell upon his father's face, and wept upon him, and kissed him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
fell
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#2
יוֹסֵ֖ף
And Joseph
joseph, the name of seven israelites
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
פְּנֵ֣י
face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
אָבִ֑יו
H1
upon his father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#6
וַיֵּ֥בְךְּ
and wept
to weep; generally to bemoan
#7
עָלָ֖יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
וַיִּשַּׁק
upon him and kissed
to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons
#9
לֽוֹ׃
H0

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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