Genesis 9:3

Authorized King James Version

Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּל

H3605

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

רֶ֙מֶשׂ֙

H7431

Every moving thing

a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

הוּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

חַ֔י

H2416

that liveth

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

לָכֶ֥ם

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה

H1961

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

לְאָכְלָ֑ה

H402

shall be meat

food

כְּיֶ֣רֶק

H3418

for you even as the green

properly, pallor, i.e., hence, the yellowish green of young and sickly vegetation; concretely, verdure, i.e., grass or vegetation

#10

עֵ֔שֶׂב

H6212

herb

grass (or any tender shoot)

#11

נָתַ֥תִּי

H5414

have I given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#12

לָכֶ֖ם

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

כֹּֽל׃

H3605

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

Analysis

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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