Genesis 6:20

Authorized King James Version

Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מֵהָע֣וֹף

H5775

Of fowls

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

לְמִינֵ֑הוּ

H4327

after his kind

a sort, i.e., species

וּמִן

H4480

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

הַבְּהֵמָה֙

H929

and of cattle

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

לְמִינֵ֑הוּ

H4327

after his kind

a sort, i.e., species

מִכֹּ֛ל

H3605

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

רֶ֥מֶשׂ

H7431

of every creeping thing

a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal

הָֽאֲדָמָ֖ה

H127

of the earth

soil (from its general redness)

לְמִינֵ֑הוּ

H4327

after his kind

a sort, i.e., species

#10

שְׁנַ֧יִם

H8147

two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#11

מִכֹּ֛ל

H3605

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

#12

יָבֹ֥אוּ

H935

of every sort shall come

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

#13

אֵלֶ֖יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

לְהַֽחֲיֽוֹת׃

H2421

unto thee to keep them alive

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

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 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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?

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