Genesis 9:11

Authorized King James Version

And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַהֲקִֽמֹתִ֤י

H6965

And I will establish

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶת

H853

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

בְּרִיתִי֙

H1285

my covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אִתְּכֶ֔ם

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

יִכָּרֵ֧ת

H3772

be cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

כָּל

H3605

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

בָּשָׂ֛ר

H1320

with you neither shall all flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

ע֖וֹד

H5750

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

#10

מִמֵּ֣י

H4325

any more by the waters

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

#11

מַבּ֖וּל

H3999

neither shall there any more be a flood

a deluge

#12

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#13

יִהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#14

ע֛וֹד

H5750

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

#15

מַבּ֖וּל

H3999

neither shall there any more be a flood

a deluge

#16

לְשַׁחֵ֥ת

H7843

to destroy

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

#17

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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