Genesis 8:21

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֣רַח

H7306

smelled

properly, to blow, i.e., breathe; only (literally) to smell or (by implication, perceive (figuratively, to anticipate, enjoy)

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

And the LORD

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

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רֵ֣יחַ

H7381

savour

odor (as if blown)

הַנִּיחֹחַ֒

H5207

a sweet

properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

And the LORD

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵ֧ב

H3820

heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#10

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

אֹסִ֥ף

H3254

I will not again

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

#12

לְקַלֵּ֨ל

H7043

curse

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

#13

ע֤וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#14

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

הָֽאֲדָמָה֙

H127

the ground

soil (from its general redness)

#16

בַּֽעֲב֣וּר

H5668

sake

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

#17

הָֽאָדָ֛ם

H120

any more for man's

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#18

כִּ֠י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#19

יֵ֣צֶר

H3336

for the imagination

a form; figuratively, conception (i.e., purpose)

#20

לֵ֧ב

H3820

heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#21

הָֽאָדָ֛ם

H120

any more for man's

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#22

רַ֖ע

H7451

is evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#23

מִנְּעֻרָ֑יו

H5271

from his youth

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

#24

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#25

אֹסִ֥ף

H3254

I will not again

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

#26

ע֛וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#27

לְהַכּ֥וֹת

H5221

smite

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#28

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#29

כָּל

H3605

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

#30

חַ֖י

H2416

any more every thing living

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

#31

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#32

עָשִֽׂיתִי׃

H6213

as I have done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
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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