Genesis 8:20

Authorized King James Version

And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּ֥בֶן

H1129

builded

to build (literally and figuratively)

נֹ֛חַ

H5146

And Noah

noach, the patriarch of the flood

בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

H4196

an altar

לַֽיהוָ֑ה

H3068

unto the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיִּקַּ֞ח

H3947

and took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִכֹּ֣ל׀

H3605

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

הַבְּהֵמָ֣ה

H929

beast

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

הַטָּה֔וֹר

H2889

and of every clean

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

וּמִכֹּל֙

H3605

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

#10

הָע֣וֹף

H5775

fowl

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

#11

הַטָּה֔וֹר

H2889

and of every clean

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

#12

וַיַּ֥עַל

H5927

and offered

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#13

עֹלֹ֖ת

H5930

burnt offerings

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

#14

בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

H4196

an altar

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty. 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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
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?

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