Definition: And Joseph said unto them, What deed [is] this that ye have done? wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 44:15. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage in the Bible! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Joseph is asking the people he's imprisoned – likely the Israelites – why they did something so strange and potentially dangerous. He’s essentially saying, “This is unusual. What are you doing that requires such a strong reaction?” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And Joseph said unto them…” : This tells us Joseph is speaking to a group of people – likely the Israelites, who were facing a difficult situation with Pharaoh. “…What deed [is] this that ye have done? wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?” This is where it gets a bit more complex. "Deed" means action or behavior. “Certainly divine” means he’s very sure and knowledgeable about what they've done. He’s pointing out something significant, something that seems incredibly bad. So, the core message is this: Joseph suspects that the people have committed a serious transgression – perhaps a betrayal or an act of violence – and he’s expressing his shock and disbelief. He's highlighting something that’s deeply troubling to him. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God has seen through the hearts of humanity, even when they try to hide their actions. It suggests that humans are capable of great wickedness, and that God is watching over them. In short: Joseph is confronting the Israelites with a troubling revelation – something they’ve done that seems deeply wrong and possibly dangerous. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant in biblical history? Provide context about the situation in Genesis 44? Discuss the possible interpretations of the verse (e.g., a warning, or a reflection on human nature)?