Genesis 50:15

Authorized King James Version

And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּרְא֤וּ

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֲחֵֽי

H251

brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

יוֹסֵ֑ף

H3130

And when Joseph's

joseph, the name of seven israelites

כִּי

H3588

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

מֵ֣ת

H4191

was dead

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אֲבִיהֶ֔ם

that their father

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

וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ

H559

they said

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֥וּ

H3863

will peradventure

a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!

יִשְׂטְמֵ֖נוּ

H7852

hate us

properly, to lurk for, i.e., persecute

#10

יוֹסֵ֑ף

H3130

And when Joseph's

joseph, the name of seven israelites

#11

יָשִׁיב֙

H7725

and will certainly

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#12

יָשִׁיב֙

H7725

and will certainly

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#13

לָ֔נוּ

#14

אֵ֚ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

הָ֣רָעָ֔ה

H7451

us all the evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#17

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#18

גָּמַ֖לְנוּ

H1580

which we did

to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean

#19

אֹתֽוֹ׃

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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