A Cognitive Linguistic Interpretation of שים עין על in Genesis 44:21

The Hebrew idiom שׂים עין על (“to set/put the eye on”) appears in Genesis 44:21 within Judah’s speech, where he quotes Joseph’s command concerning Benjamin. Traditional interpretations have generally understood the phrase as a neutral or benevolent expression of attention or authority. This article proposes that, from Judah’s fearful perspective, the idiom evokes the image of a powerful and potentially dangerous gaze. Employing a cognitive linguistic approach, the study analyses the expression as a metaphorical-metonymic construction in which the eye functions as an instrument of influence and authority. Attention is given to the idiom’s dual valence – capable of conveying both benevolent oversight (cf. Jer 24:6) and potential threat – and to its relationship with the more frequent prophetic idiom שׂים פנים על (“set the face on”). Ancient Near Eastern parallels, particularly from Mesopotamia and Egypt, illuminate the cultural background of the active, projective eye and help clarify Judah’s anxiety in the context of the silver cup crisis (Gen 44:2–17). By focusing on Judah’s perspective, this study offers new insight into the emotional depth and cultural resonance of Genesis 44–45, contributing to a broader understanding of how biblical authors engaged with shared regional concepts of vision, power, and authority.