Genesis 2:4

Authorized King James Version

These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֵ֣לֶּה

H428

These

these or those

תוֹלְד֧וֹת

H8435

are the generations

(plural only) descent, i.e., family; (figuratively) history

וְשָׁמָֽיִם׃

H8064

and the heavens

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

אֶ֥רֶץ

H776

and of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בְּהִבָּֽרְאָ֑ם

H1254

when they were created

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

בְּי֗וֹם

H3117

in the 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

עֲשׂ֛וֹת

H6213

made

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

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

that the LORD

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

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

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

#10

אֶ֥רֶץ

H776

and of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

וְשָׁמָֽיִם׃

H8064

and the heavens

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

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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 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 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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