Genesis 6:15

Authorized King James Version

And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְזֶ֕ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#2
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה
And this is the fashion which thou shalt make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#4
אֹתָ֑הּ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
שְׁלֹ֧שׁ
shall be three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#6
מֵא֣וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#7
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#8
אֹ֚רֶךְ
it of The length
length
#9
הַתֵּבָ֔ה
of the ark
a box
#10
חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים
of it fifty
fifty
#11
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#12
רָחְבָּ֔הּ
the breadth
width (literally or figuratively)
#13
וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
of it thirty
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#14
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#15
קוֹמָתָֽהּ׃
and the height
height

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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