Genesis 7:2

Authorized King James Version

Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִכֹּ֣ל׀

H3605

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

הַבְּהֵמָ֡ה

H929

and of beasts

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

טְהֹרָ֥ה

H2889

Of every clean

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

תִּֽקַּח

H3947

thou shalt take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לְךָ֛

שִׁבְעָ֖ה

H7651

to thee by sevens

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שִׁבְעָ֖ה

H7651

to thee by sevens

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

the male

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְאִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃

H802

and his female

a woman

#10

וּמִן

H4480

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

#11

הַבְּהֵמָ֡ה

H929

and of beasts

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

#12

אֲ֠שֶׁר

H834

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

#13

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

טְהֹרָ֥ה

H2889

Of every clean

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

#15

הִ֛וא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#16

שְׁנַ֖יִם

H8147

by two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#17

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

the male

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#18

וְאִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃

H802

and his female

a woman

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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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