Genesis 7:23

Authorized King James Version

And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּמָּח֖וּ

H4229

and they were destroyed

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

אֶֽת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

הַיְק֣וּם׀

H3351

And every living substance

properly, standing (extant), i.e., by implication, a living thing

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

alive and they that

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

עַל

H5921

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

פְּנֵ֣י

H6440

which was upon 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

הָֽאֲדָמָ֗ה

H127

of the ground

soil (from its general redness)

מֵֽאָדָ֤ם

H120

both man

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

#10

עַד

H5704

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

#11

בְּהֵמָה֙

H929

and cattle

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

#12

עַד

H5704

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

#13

רֶ֙מֶשׂ֙

H7431

and the creeping things

a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal

#14

וְעַד

H5704

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

#15

ע֣וֹף

H5775

and the fowl

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

#16

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

of the heaven

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

#17

וַיִּמָּח֖וּ

H4229

and they were destroyed

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

#18

מִן

H4480

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

#19

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

from the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#20

וַיִשָּׁ֧אֶר

H7604

remained

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

#21

אַךְ

H389

only

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

#22

נֹ֛חַ

H5146

and Noah

noach, the patriarch of the flood

#23

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

alive and they that

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

#24

אִתּ֖וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#25

בַּתֵּבָֽה׃

H8392

were with him in the ark

a box

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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