Genesis 9:5

Authorized King James Version

And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַ֨ךְ

H389

And surely

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אֶת

H853

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

דִּמְכֶ֤ם

H1818

your blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

נֶ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

of your lives

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אֶדְרֹ֖שׁ

H1875

will I require

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

מִיַּד֙

H3027

and at the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

כָּל

H3605

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

חַיָּ֖ה

H2416

of every beast

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

אֶדְרֹ֖שׁ

H1875

will I require

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

#10

מִיַּד֙

H3027

and at the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#11

הָֽאָדָֽם׃

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#12

מִיַּד֙

H3027

and at the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#13

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

of every man's

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#14

אָחִ֔יו

H251

brother

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

#15

אֶדְרֹ֖שׁ

H1875

will I require

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

#16

אֶת

H853

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

#17

נֶ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

of your lives

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#18

הָֽאָדָֽם׃

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

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 life 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 life. 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

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on life address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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