5074. And it came to pass. That this signifies a new state and the things which follow, is evident from the fact that the expression “it came to pass,” or “it was,” in the Word, involves a new state (see n. 4979, 4999); and that in the original language it serves as a mark of distinction between the series of things which precede and those which follow (see n. 4987); hence it also signifies the things which follow.

5000. As she spake to Joseph day by day. That this signifies thought concerning this matter, is evident from the signification of “speaking,” as being to think (see n. 2271, 2287, 2619), namely, concerning Joseph, and therefore concerning that matter which is here meant by “Joseph.” “Day by day,” or every day, means intensely. “To speak,” in the internal sense, is to think, because thought is interior speech; and when man thinks, he is then speaking with himself. Interior things are expressed in the sense of the letter by the exterior things which correspond.