Genesis 2:19

Authorized King James Version

And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּצֶר֩

H3335

formed

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

יְהוָ֨ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהִ֜ים

H430

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

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָֽאֲדָמָ֗ה

H127

And out of the ground

soil (from its general redness)

כָּל

H3605

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

חַיָּ֖ה

H2416

every beast

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

הַשָּׂדֶה֙

H7704

of the field

a field (as flat)

וְאֵת֙

H853

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

#10

כָּל

H3605

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

#11

ע֣וֹף

H5775

and every fowl

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

#12

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

#13

וַיָּבֵא֙

H935

and brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#14

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

הָֽאָדָ֛ם

H120

them and whatsoever Adam

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#16

לִרְא֖וֹת

H7200

to see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#17

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#18

יִקְרָא

H7121

called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#19

ל֑וֹ

#20

וְכֹל֩

H3605

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

#21

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#22

יִקְרָא

H7121

called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#23

ל֧וֹ

#24

הָֽאָדָ֛ם

H120

them and whatsoever Adam

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#25

נֶ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

creature

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#26

חַיָּ֖ה

H2416

every beast

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

#27

ה֥וּא

H1931

that

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#28

שְׁמֽוֹ׃

H8034

was the name thereof

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline