Genesis 9:15

Authorized King James Version

And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְזָֽכַרְתִּ֣י

H2142

And I will remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֶת

H853

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

בְּרִיתִ֗י

H1285

my covenant

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

בֵּינִי֙

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּבֵ֛ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

כָּל

H3605

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

נֶ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

creature

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#10

חַיָּ֖ה

H2416

which is between me and you and every living

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

#11

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#12

בָּשָֽׂר׃

H1320

all flesh

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

#13

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#14

יִֽהְיֶ֨ה

H1961

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

#15

ע֤וֹד

H5750

shall no more

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

#16

הַמַּ֙יִם֙

H4325

and the waters

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

#17

לְמַבּ֔וּל

H3999

become a flood

a deluge

#18

לְשַׁחֵ֖ת

H7843

to destroy

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

#19

כָּל

H3605

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

#20

בָּשָֽׂר׃

H1320

all flesh

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

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Genesis. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 covenant. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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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