Genesis 2:3

Authorized King James Version

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְבָ֤רֶךְ

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

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

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

אֶת

H853

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

י֣וֹם

H3117

day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י

H7637

the seventh

seventh

וַיְקַדֵּ֖שׁ

H6942

and sanctified

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֹת֑וֹ

H853

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

כִּ֣י

H3588

it because

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ב֤וֹ

#10

שָׁבַת֙

H7673

that in it he had rested

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

#11

מִכָּל

H3605

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

#12

מְלַאכְתּ֔וֹ

H4399

from all his work

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

#13

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#14

בָּרָ֥א

H1254

created

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

#15

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

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

#16

לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹת׃

H6213

and made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. 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

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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