Genesis 7:24

Authorized King James Version

And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּגְבְּר֥וּ
prevailed
to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently
#2
הַמַּ֖יִם
And the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
הָאָ֑רֶץ
upon the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
and fifty
fifty
#6
וּמְאַ֖ת
an hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#7
יֽוֹם׃
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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

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