Genesis 2:9

Authorized King James Version

And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּצְמַ֞ח

H6779

made

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

the LORD

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

אֱלֹהִים֙

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

And out

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

הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה

H127

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)

וְעֵ֕ץ

H6086

and the tree

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

נֶחְמָ֥ד

H2530

that is pleasant

to delight in

לְמַרְאֶ֖ה

H4758

to the sight

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

#10

ט֥וֹב

H2896

and good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#11

לְמַֽאֲכָ֑ל

H3978

for food

an eatable (including provender, flesh and fruit)

#12

וְעֵ֕ץ

H6086

and the tree

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#13

הַֽחַיִּים֙

H2416

of life

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

#14

בְּת֣וֹךְ

H8432

also in the midst

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#15

הַגָּ֔ן

H1588

of the garden

a garden (as fenced)

#16

וְעֵ֕ץ

H6086

and the tree

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#17

הַדַּ֖עַת

H1847

of knowledge

knowledge

#18

ט֥וֹב

H2896

and good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#19

וָרָֽע׃

H7451

and evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 life 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

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 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?

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