Genesis 1:20

1:20 God said, “Let the water swarm with swarms ¹  of living creatures and let birds fly ²  above the earth across the expanse of the sky.”

Genesis 24:8

24:8 But if the woman is not willing to come back with you, ³  you will be free ⁴  from this oath of mine. But you must not take my son back there!”

Genesis 39:4

39:4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. ⁵  Potiphar appointed Joseph ⁶  overseer of his household and put him in charge ⁷  of everything he owned.

[1:20]  ¹ tn The Hebrew text again uses a cognate construction (“swarm with swarms”) to emphasize the abundant fertility. The idea of the verb is one of swift movement back and forth, literally swarming. This verb is used in Exod 1:7 to describe the rapid growth of the Israelite population in bondage.

[1:20]  ² tn The Hebrew text uses the Polel form of the verb instead of the simple Qal; it stresses a swarming flight again to underscore the abundant fruitfulness.

[24:8]  ³ tn Heb “ to go after you.”

[24:8]  ⁴ sn You will be free. If the prospective bride was not willing to accompany the servant back to Canaan, the servant would be released from his oath to Abraham.

[39:4]  ⁵ sn The Hebrew verb translated became his personal attendant refers to higher domestic service, usually along the lines of a personal attendant. Here Joseph is made the household steward, a position well-attested in Egyptian literature.

[39:4]  ⁶ tn Heb “him”; the referent (Joseph) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[39:4]  ⁷ tn Heb “put into his hand.”