Genesis 7:16

Authorized King James Version

And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בָּ֔אוּ

H935

And they that went in

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

זָכָ֨ר

H2145

male

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

וּנְקֵבָ֤ה

H5347

and female

female (from the sexual form)

מִכָּל

H3605

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

בָּשָׂר֙

H1320

of all flesh

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

בָּ֔אוּ

H935

And they that went in

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה

H6680

had commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֹת֖וֹ

H853

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

#10

אֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

as God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#11

וַיִּסְגֹּ֥ר

H5462

shut him in

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

#12

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

him and the LORD

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

#13

בַּֽעֲדֽוֹ׃

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

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 sovereignty 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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?
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?

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