Genesis 6:19

Authorized King James Version

And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמִכָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָ֠חַי

H2416

And of every living thing

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

מִֽכָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בָּשָׂ֞ר

H1320

of all flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

שְׁנַ֧יִם

H8147

two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

מִכֹּ֛ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תָּבִ֥יא

H935

of every sort shalt thou bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַתֵּבָ֖ה

H8392

into the ark

a box

#10

לְהַֽחֲיֹ֣ת

H2421

to keep them alive

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

#11

אִתָּ֑ךְ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#12

זָכָ֥ר

H2145

with thee they shall be male

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

#13

וּנְקֵבָ֖ה

H5347

and female

female (from the sexual form)

#14

יִֽהְיֽוּ׃

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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