Genesis 50:4

Authorized King James Version

And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּֽעַבְרוּ֙

H5674

were past

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

יְמֵ֣י

H3117

And when the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְכִית֔וֹ

H1068

of his mourning

a weeping

דַּבְּרוּ

H1696

spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יוֹסֵ֔ף

H3130

Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

unto the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

פַרְעֹ֖ה

H6547

of Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

לֵאמֹֽר׃

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#11

נָ֨א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#12

מָצָ֤אתִי

H4672

If now I have found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#13

חֵן֙

H2580

grace

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

#14

בְּעֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם

H5869

in your eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#15

דַּבְּרוּ

H1696

spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#16

נָ֕א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#17

בְּאָזְנֵ֥י

H241

I pray you in the ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

#18

פַרְעֹ֖ה

H6547

of Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

#19

לֵאמֹֽר׃

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of grace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about grace, 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 historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood grace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on grace address the problem of evil and suffering in light of God's goodness, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 50 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the divine love theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline