Genesis 1:7

Authorized King James Version

And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
H6213
made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
אֱלֹהִים֮
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
#3
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
לָרָקִ֑יעַ
H7549
the firmament
properly, an expanse, i.e., the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky
#5
וַיַּבְדֵּ֗ל
H914
and divided
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
#6
בֵּ֤ין
H996
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#7
הַמַּ֔יִם
H4325
from the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#8
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
which
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
מִתַּ֣חַת
H8478
were under
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#10
לָרָקִ֑יעַ
H7549
the firmament
properly, an expanse, i.e., the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky
#11
וּבֵ֣ין
H996
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#12
הַמַּ֔יִם
H4325
from the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#13
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
which
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
מֵעַ֣ל
H5921
were above
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
לָרָקִ֑יעַ
H7549
the firmament
properly, an expanse, i.e., the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky
#16
וַֽיְהִי
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#17
כֵֽן׃
H3651
and it was so
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Genesis's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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