Genesis 9:16

Authorized King James Version

And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָֽיְתָ֥ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הַקֶּ֖שֶׁת
H7198
And the bow
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
#3
בֶּֽעָנָ֑ן
H6051
shall be in the cloud
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
#4
וּרְאִיתִ֗יהָ
H7200
and I will look upon it
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#5
לִזְכֹּר֙
H2142
that I may remember
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#6
בְּרִ֣ית
H1285
covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#7
עוֹלָ֔ם
H5769
the everlasting
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#8
וּבֵין֙
H996
and
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#9
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
H430
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#10
וּבֵין֙
H996
and
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#11
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
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
#13
חַיָּ֔ה
H2416
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
#14
בְּכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
בָּשָׂ֖ר
H1320
of all flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#16
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
H776
that is upon the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. 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

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant within the theological tradition of Genesis Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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