Genesis 9:19

Authorized King James Version

These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה
These are the three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#2
אֵ֖לֶּה
these or those
#3
בְּנֵי
sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
נֹ֑חַ
of Noah
noach, the patriarch of the flood
#5
וּמֵאֵ֖לֶּה
these or those
#6
נָֽפְצָ֥ה
overspread
to dash to pieces, or scatter
#7
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
and of them was the whole earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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