Genesis 3:19

Authorized King James Version

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְּזֵעַ֤ת

H2188

In the sweat

perspiration

אַפֶּ֙יךָ֙

H639

of thy face

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

תֹּ֣אכַל

H398

shalt thou eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לֶ֔חֶם

H3899

bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

עַ֤ד

H5704

till

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

תָּשֽׁוּב׃

H7725

shalt thou return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה

H127

unto the ground

soil (from its general redness)

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

#10

מִמֶּ֖נָּה

H4480

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

#11

לֻקָּ֑חְתָּ

H3947

for out of it wast thou taken

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#12

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#13

עָפָ֖ר

H6083

art and unto dust

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

#14

אַ֔תָּה

H859

thou

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#15

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#16

עָפָ֖ר

H6083

art and unto dust

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

#17

תָּשֽׁוּב׃

H7725

shalt thou return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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