As with many common verbs, the meaning of “to say” in the Bible is highly dependent on context. Who is speaking? Who is hearing? What is it about? Is it a command, a message, an apology, instruction? All these things enter into the meaning of “say.” In general, though, “saying” has to do with sharing truth at various levels -- from the most exalted power people can have to perceive the Lord's desires directly to the most basic of orders issued to people at their lowest.

5474. 'Do not sin against the boy' means lest they become separated - the external from the internal. This is clear from the meaning of 'sinning' as a separation, dealt with in 5229, for all sin leads to separation; and from the representation of Joseph, to whom 'the boy' refers here, as the internal, as above in 5469.