Genesis 7:8

Authorized King James Version

Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#2
הַ֨בְּהֵמָ֔ה
and of beasts
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#3
טְהֹרָ֑ה
Of clean
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
#4
וּמִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#5
הַ֨בְּהֵמָ֔ה
and of beasts
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#6
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
אֵינֶ֖נָּה
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#8
טְהֹרָ֑ה
Of clean
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
#9
וּמִ֨ן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#10
הָע֔וֹף
and of fowls
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
#11
וְכֹ֥ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
רֹמֵ֖שׂ
and of every thing that creepeth
properly, to glide swiftly, i.e., to crawl or move with short steps; by analogy to swarm
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃
upon the earth
soil (from its general redness)

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 revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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