Genesis 6:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְהִי֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
הֵחֵ֣ל
began
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#4
הָֽאָדָ֔ם
And it came to pass when men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#5
לָרֹ֖ב
to multiply
properly, to cast together , i.e., increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad
#6
עַל
on
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
פְּנֵ֣י
the face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#8
הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה
of the earth
soil (from its general redness)
#9
וּבָנ֖וֹת
and daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#10
יֻלְּד֥וּ
were born
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#11
לָהֶֽם׃
H0

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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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