Genesis 8:9

Authorized King James Version

But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

מָצְאָה֩

H4672

found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

הַיּוֹנָ֨ה

H3123

But the dove

a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)

מָנ֜וֹחַ

H4494

no rest

quiet, i.e., (concretely) a settled spot, or (figuratively) a home

לְכַף

H3709

for the sole

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

רַגְלָ֗הּ

H7272

of her foot

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

וַתָּ֤שָׁב

H7725

and she returned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֵלָיו֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

הַתֵּבָֽה׃

H8392

unto him into the ark

a box

#11

כִּי

H3588

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

#12

מַ֖יִם

H4325

for the waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#13

עַל

H5921

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

#14

פְּנֵ֣י

H6440

were on the face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#15

כָל

H3605

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

#16

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

of the whole earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#17

וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח

H7971

then he put forth

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#18

יָדוֹ֙

H3027

his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#19

וַיִּקָּחֶ֔הָ

H3947

and took her

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#20

וַיָּבֵ֥א

H935

and pulled her in

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#21

אֹתָ֛הּ

H853

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

#22

אֵלָ֖יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#23

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#24

הַתֵּבָֽה׃

H8392

unto him into the ark

a box

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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

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

Related Resources

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

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline