Genesis 8:17

Authorized King James Version

Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּל

H3605

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

הַֽחַיָּ֨ה

H2416

with thee every living thing

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

אֲשֶֽׁר

H834

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

אִתְּךָ֜

H854

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

מִכָּל

H3605

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

בָּשָׂ֗ר

H1320

that is with thee of all flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

בָּע֧וֹף

H5775

both of fowl

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

וּבַבְּהֵמָ֛ה

H929

and of cattle

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

וּבְכָל

H3605

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

#10

הָרֶ֛מֶשׂ

H7431

and of every creeping thing

a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal

#11

הָֽרֹמֵ֥שׂ

H7430

that creepeth

properly, to glide swiftly, i.e., to crawl or move with short steps; by analogy to swarm

#12

עַל

H5921

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

#13

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

in the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#14

הַוְצֵ֣א

H3318

Bring forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#15

אִתָּ֑ךְ

H854

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

#16

וְשָֽׁרְצ֣וּ

H8317

that they may breed abundantly

to wriggle, i.e., (by implication) swarm or abound

#17

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

in the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#18

וּפָר֥וּ

H6509

and be fruitful

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

#19

וְרָב֖וּ

H7235

and multiply

to increase (in whatever respect)

#20

עַל

H5921

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

#21

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

in the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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 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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline