Genesis 1:28

Authorized King James Version

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ

H1288

blessed

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֹתָם֮

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

And God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶ֜ם

אֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

And God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

פְּר֥וּ

H6509

unto them Be fruitful

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

וּרְב֛וּ

H7235

and multiply

to increase (in whatever respect)

וּמִלְא֥וּ

H4390

and replenish

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

וְכִבְשֻׁ֑הָ

H3533

and subdue it

to tread down; hence, negatively, to disregard; positively, to conquer, subjugate, violate

#13

וּרְד֞וּ

H7287

and have dominion

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

#14

בִּדְגַ֤ת

H1710

over the fish

fish

#15

הַיָּם֙

H3220

of the sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

#16

וּבְע֣וֹף

H5775

and over the fowl

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

#17

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

of the air

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#18

וּבְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#19

חַיָּ֖ה

H2416

and over every living thing

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#20

הָֽרֹמֶ֥שֶׂת

H7430

that moveth

properly, to glide swiftly, i.e., to crawl or move with short steps; by analogy to swarm

#21

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#22

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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