Genesis 8:22

Authorized King James Version

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עֹ֖ד

H5750

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

כָּל

H3605

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

וְי֥וֹם

H3117

and day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

While the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

זֶ֡רַע

H2233

seedtime

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

וְ֠קָצִיר

H7105

and harvest

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

וְקֹ֨ר

H7120

and cold

cold

וָחֹ֜ם

H2527

and heat

heat

וְקַ֧יִץ

H7019

and summer

harvest (as the crop), whether the product (grain or fruit) or the (dry) season

#10

וָחֹ֛רֶף

H2779

and winter

properly, the crop gathered, i.e., (by implication) the autumn (and winter) season; figuratively, ripeness of age

#11

וְי֥וֹם

H3117

and day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#12

וָלַ֖יְלָה

H3915

and night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

#13

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#14

יִשְׁבֹּֽתוּ׃

H7673

shall not cease

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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?

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