Genesis 6:7

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶמְחֶ֨ה

H4229

I will destroy

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מֵֽאָדָם֙

H120

both man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּרָ֙אתִי֙

H1254

whom I have created

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

מֵעַל֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵ֣י

H6440

from 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

#10

הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה

H127

of the earth

soil (from its general redness)

#11

מֵֽאָדָם֙

H120

both man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#12

וְעַד

H5704

and

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#13

בְּהֵמָ֔ה

H929

beast

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

#14

וְעַד

H5704

and

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#15

רֶ֖מֶשׂ

H7431

and the creeping thing

a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal

#16

וְעַד

H5704

and

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#17

ע֣וֹף

H5775

and the fowls

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

#18

הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם

H8064

of the air

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#19

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#20

נִחַ֖מְתִּי

H5162

for it repenteth

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

#21

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#22

עֲשִׂיתִֽם׃

H6213

me that I have made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty. 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
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?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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