Genesis 9:22

And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֗רְא

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

חָ֚ם

H2526

And Ham

cham, a son of noah; also (as a patronymic) his descendants or their country

אָבִ֑יו

of his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

כְנַ֔עַן

H3667

of Canaan

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

אֵ֖ת

H853

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

עֶרְוַ֣ת

H6172

the nakedness

nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

אָבִ֑יו

of his father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיַּגֵּ֥ד

H5046

and told

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִשְׁנֵֽי

H8147

his two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#10

אֶחָ֖יו

H251

brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#11

בַּחֽוּץ׃

H2351

without

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?

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