Genesis 2:7

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּיצֶר֩

H3335

formed

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

יְהוָ֨ה

H3068

And 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

אֶת

H853

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

הָֽאָדָ֖ם

H120

and man

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

עָפָר֙

H6083

of the dust

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

מִן

H4480

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

הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה

H127

the ground

soil (from its general redness)

וַיִּפַּ֥ח

H5301

and breathed

to puff, in various applications (literally, to inflate, blow hard, scatter, kindle, expire; figuratively, to disesteem)

#10

בְּאַפָּ֖יו

H639

into his nostrils

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

#11

נִשְׁמַ֣ת

H5397

the breath

a puff, i.e., wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal

#12

חַיָּֽה׃

H2416

became a living

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

#13

וַֽיְהִ֥י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#14

הָֽאָדָ֖ם

H120

and man

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

#15

לְנֶ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

soul

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

#16

חַיָּֽה׃

H2416

became a living

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

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of life 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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding life in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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