Genesis 8:19

Authorized King James Version

Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their kinds, went forth out of the ark.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

and whatsoever

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

הַֽחַיָּ֗ה

H2416

Every beast

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

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

and whatsoever

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

הָרֶ֙מֶשׂ֙

H7431

every creeping thing

a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

and whatsoever

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

הָע֔וֹף

H5775

and every fowl

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

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

and whatsoever

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

רוֹמֵ֣שׂ

H7430

creepeth

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

עַל

H5921

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

#10

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

upon the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם

H4940

after their kinds

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

#12

יָֽצְא֖וּ

H3318

went forth

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

#13

מִן

H4480

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

#14

הַתֵּבָֽה׃

H8392

out of 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 does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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