Genesis 7:3

Authorized King James Version

Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גַּ֣ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

מֵע֧וֹף

H5775

Of fowls

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

הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם

H8064

also of the air

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

שִׁבְעָ֖ה

H7651

by sevens

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

שִׁבְעָ֖ה

H7651

by sevens

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

זָכָ֣ר

H2145

the male

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

וּנְקֵבָ֑ה

H5347

and the female

female (from the sexual form)

לְחַיּ֥וֹת

H2421

alive

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

זֶ֖רַע

H2233

seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

#10

עַל

H5921

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

#11

פְּנֵ֥י

H6440

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

#12

כָל

H3605

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

#13

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of all the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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?
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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