Definition: And said, Whose daughter [art] thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room [in] thy father’s house for us to lodge in?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 24:23. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage that sets up a key part of the story about God choosing a man to be his spokesman. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is asking Joseph, the older brother, to identify the daughter of Jacob (who is also known as Israel). He wants to know who this woman is and if there's space for them to stay with him. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “And said…” : This tells us that Joseph is speaking, expressing a question or inquiry. “…Whose daughter [art] thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room [in] thy father’s house for us to lodge in?” This is the big question! Let's break it down further: “Whose daughter [art] thou?” : This is a very formal way of asking "Who is this woman?" It suggests that Joseph is trying to determine if this woman is a significant figure – perhaps a princess or someone important. “tell me, I pray thee: is there room [in] thy father’s house for us to lodge in?” : This is the crucial part. It's asking Joseph to provide space . “Lodge in” means to stay somewhere – to live comfortably. The phrase "is there room [in] thy father’s house" implies that the family's home, traditionally a very important place, has limited space. What it suggests about God's plan: This verse shows that God is using Joseph as a representative, a way for him to be involved in the lives of people and situations. It sets the stage for Joseph to become the spokesman for his father and later, for the entire nation. It’s about establishing a connection between God and humanity through this chosen individual. In short: Joseph is trying to figure out who this woman is – likely a princess – and whether there's enough space in his family’s home to accommodate them. Do you want me to explain any of these parts further, or would you like me to provide context for why this verse is significant in the Bible? For example, we could talk about: The significance of the story of Jacob and his sons. What it represents about God’s plan of providence.