Genesis 9:20

Authorized King James Version

And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֥חֶל
began
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#2
נֹ֖חַ
And Noah
noach, the patriarch of the flood
#3
אִ֣ישׁ
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#4
הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה
soil (from its general redness)
#5
וַיִּטַּ֖ע
and he planted
properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)
#6
כָּֽרֶם׃
a vineyard
a garden or vineyard

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

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

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