Genesis 7:14

Authorized King James Version

They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֵ֜מָּה
H1992
They
they (only used when emphatic)
#2
וְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
הַֽחַיָּ֣ה
H2416
and every beast
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#4
לְמִינֵ֔הוּ
H4327
after his kind
a sort, i.e., species
#5
וְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
הַבְּהֵמָה֙
H929
and all the cattle
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#7
לְמִינֵ֔הוּ
H4327
after his kind
a sort, i.e., species
#8
וְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
הָרֶ֛מֶשׂ
H7431
and every creeping thing
a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal
#10
הָרֹמֵ֥שׂ
H7430
that creepeth
properly, to glide swiftly, i.e., to crawl or move with short steps; by analogy to swarm
#11
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
הָאָ֖רֶץ
H776
upon the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
לְמִינֵ֔הוּ
H4327
after his kind
a sort, i.e., species
#14
וְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
הָע֣וֹף
H5775
and every fowl
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
#16
לְמִינֵ֔הוּ
H4327
after his kind
a sort, i.e., species
#17
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
צִפּ֥וֹר
H6833
every bird
a little bird (as hopping)
#19
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#20
כָּנָֽף׃
H3671
of every sort
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

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