Genesis 3:7

Authorized King James Version

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּפָּקַ֙חְנָה֙
were opened
to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant
#2
עֵינֵ֣י
And the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#3
שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם
of them both
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#4
וַיֵּ֣דְע֔וּ
knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#5
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
עֵֽירֻמִּ֖ם
that they were naked
nudity
#7
הֵ֑ם
and they
they (only used when emphatic)
#8
וַֽיִּתְפְּרוּ֙
and they sewed
to sew
#9
עֲלֵ֣ה
leaves
a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage
#10
תְאֵנָ֔ה
fig
the fig (tree or fruit)
#11
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
and made themselves
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#13
חֲגֹרֹֽת׃
aprons
a belt (for the waist)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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