Genesis 6:5-22 & 8:6-12 & 9:8-17

Genesis 6:5-22 & 8:6-12 & 9:8-17
Narrative Lectionary 101

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6:5 The LordI sawII that the wickednessIII of humansIV

Notes on verse 6:5a

I “Lord” = YHVH. From havah (to be, become) or hayah (to come to pass, become, be). This is the name of the God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal one, the tetragrammaton. This pronunciation has been lost to time so “Lord” is generally used in its place.
II “saw” = raah. This is to see in a literal or figurative sense so stare, advise, think, view.
III “wickedness” = ra’. From ra’a’ (to be evil, bad, afflict; properly, to spoil – to destroy by breaking into pieces; figuratively, to cause something to be worthless; this is bad in a physical, social, or moral sense; that which displeases, to do harm or mischief, to punish or vex). This is bad, disagreeable, that which causes pain, misery, something having little or no value, something that is ethically bad, wicked, injury, calamity. This refers to anything that is not what it ought to be – a natural disaster, a disfigurement, an injury, a sin.
IV “humans” = adam. Perhaps from adam (to be red, make ruddy); related to adamah (ground, dirt, earth). This is man, humankind, also Adam’s name. It refers to a human individual or humanity.

was greatV in the earthVI and that everyVII inclinationVIII

Notes on verse 6:5b

V “great” = rab. From rabab (increasing in any aspect whether quantity, authority, size, quality, greatness, etc.). This is abundance, many, elder, exceedingly, great. It refers to abundance of amount, rank, or status.
VI “earth” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.
VII “every” = kol. From kalal (to complete). This is all or every.
VIII “inclination” = yetser. 9x in OT. From yatsar (to fashion or form, perhaps by squeezing something into a shape or form; to create as a potter does; figuratively, to determine). This is a form, framing, intention, imagination, conception, inclination.

of the thoughtsIX of their heartsX was onlyXI evilXII continually.XIII 

Notes on verse 6:5c

IX “thoughts” = machashabah. From chashab (literally to weave; figuratively to think or plot something malicious). This is thought, scheme, imagination, purpose, or a plan either good or evil.
X “hearts” = leb. May be related to labab (to encourage; properly, to be encased as with fat; used in a good sense, this means to transport someone with love; used in a bad sense, it can mean to dull one’s senses). This is the heart, courage, one’s inner self, the mind, or the will. Heart is only used in a figurative sense in the Old and New Testaments.
XI “only” = raq. From the same as raq (thin, surely, only); perhaps from raqaq (to spit). This is but, except, at least. In the sense of being thin, it figuratively refers to some kind of limit.
XII “evil” = ra’. Same as “wickedness” in v6:5. See note III above.
XIII “continually” = kol + yom. Literally, “all day” or “every day.” Kol is the same as “every” in 6:5. Yom has a root that may mean being hot. This is the day in a literal or figurative sense. It can also mean birth, age, daylight, continually or other references to time.

And the Lord was sorryXIV that he had madeXV humans on the earth, and it grievedXVI him to his heart. 

Notes on verse 6:6

XIV “was sorry” = nacham. Properly, this is a strong breath or a sigh. This can be to be sorry, to pity, console. Comfort, or repent. But, one can also comfort oneself with less righteous thoughts, so this can also mean to avenge oneself.
XV “made” = asah. This is to make, do, act, appoint, become in many senses.
XVI “grieved” = atsab. 17x in OT– 4x of humanity grieving God including Genesis 6:6 prior to the Flood. This is properly to carve. So it can mean to create or fashion. Figuratively, it means to hurt, grieve, worry, anger, or displease.

So the Lord said, “I will blot outXVII from theXVIII earthXIX the humans I have createdXX

Notes on verse 6:7a

XVII “blot out” = machah. This is to rub, which implies to erase. It can also be making something smooth with grease or oil. So, this could we wipe out, blot out, or destroy. Also, to touch or reach.
XVIII {untranslated} = paneh. From panah (to turn, face, appear). This is face in a literal or figurative sense. It could be face, presence, anger, respect. It can also be used of God to indicate divine favor or presence.
XIX “earth” = adamah. Related to “humans” in v6:5. From the same as adam (see note IV above). This is ground, earth, soil as red, or land.
XX “created” = bara. This is to create, shape, choose, or select. It is the word used in Genesis 1:1 when God created the heavens and the earth.

peopleXXI together with animalsXXII and creeping thingsXXIII and birdsXXIV of the airXXV—for I am sorry that I have made them.” 

Notes on verse 6:7b

XXI “people” = adam. Same as “humans” in v6:5. See note IV above.
XXII “animals” = behemah. This is animal or cattle. It is often used of large quadrupeds.
XXIII “creeping things” = remes. 17x in OT. From ramas (gliding swiftly, moving with quick steps or crawling; to swarm or prowl or move about). This is things that move rapidly or creep such as reptiles.
XXIV “birds” = oph. From uph (to fly, flee, shine, be weary, be faint). This is a flying creature.
XXV “air” = shamayim. Root may mean being lofty. This is sky, the air, or heaven. It is in a dual noun form so this might refer to the part of the sky where the clouds move on the one hand and the part beyond that where the sun, moon, and stars are on the other hand.

But NoahXXVI foundXXVII favorXXVIII in the sightXXIX of the Lord.

Notes on verse 6:8

XXVI “Noah” = Noach. From nuach (to rest, calm, camp, free, place, remain, satisfy, settle, station, or wait; implies settling down in a literal or figurative sense). This is Noah or Noach, meaning rest.
XXVII “found” = matsa. This is to find, catch or acquire. It can also mean to come forth or appear. Figuratively, this can mean to meet or be together with.
XXVIII “favor” = chen. From chanan (beseech, show favor, be gracious; properly, to bend in kindness to someone with less status). This is grace, favor, kindness, beauty, precious.
XXIX “sight” = ayin. This is eye in a literal or figurative sense so eye, appearance, favor, or a fountain (the eye of the landscape).

These are the descendantsXXX of Noah. Noah wasXXXI a righteousXXXII man,XXXIII

Notes on verse 6:9a

XXX “descendants” = toledoth. From yalad (to bear, bring forth; can mean to act as midwife or to show one’s lineage). This is generations descent, family, or history.
XXXI “was” = hayah. Related to “Lord” in v6:5. See note I above.
XXXII “righteous” = tsaddiq. From the same as tsedeq (rightness, righteousness, just cause, vindication; that which is right in a natural, moral, or legal sense; abstractly equity; figuratively prosperity). This is just, innocent, righteous, righteous one, or lawful.
XXXIII “man” = enosh. From anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is human, humankind, another. It is mortal.

blamelessXXXIV in his generation;XXXV Noah walkedXXXVI with God.XXXVII 

Notes on verse 6:9b

XXXIV “blameless” = tamim. From tamam (to finish or accomplish; to make perfect, demonstrate that you are upright; consume; to complete in a literal or figurative sense). This is entire in a literal or figurative sense. So, it could be complete, full, intact, or without defect. Alternately, it could refer to being sound, having integrity, being sincere or perfect.
XXXV “generation” = dor. From dur (to move in a circle, which implies living somewhere or remaining there; it can also be the sense of piling or heaping up). This is a revolution of time, which is to say, an age or generation. It can also be a dwelling or one’s posterity.
XXXVI “walked” = halak. This is go, come, walk. It is walk literally and figuratively and includes people and animals. It can be used figuratively for one’s moral life – how we walk according to God’s way or against it. It can also refer to the walk of life as in the course one’s life takes, the choices we make, etc.
XXXVII “God” = Elohim.

10 And Noah hadXXXVIII threeXXXIX sons:XL Shem,XLI Ham,XLII and Japheth.XLIII

Notes on verse 6:10

XXXVIII “had” = yalad. Related to “descendants” in v6:9. See note XXX above.
XXXIX “three” = shalosh. This is three, fork, three times.
XL “sons” = ben. From banah (to build or obtain children). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense.
XLI “Shem” = Shem. 17x in OT. From the same as shem (name, fame, renown; indicates something essential about a person –about their individuality; can also mean honor, authority, or character); perhaps from sum (to put, place, set). This is Shem, meaning name.
XLII “Ham” = Cham. 16x in OT. Perhaps from the same as cham (hot, warm); from chamam (to be warm, heat; to be hot in a literal or figurative sense; to mate). This is Ham, meaning “hot” or “protective wall.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Ham.html
XLIII “Japheth” = Yepheth. 11x in OT. From pathah (to be simple, entice, deceive, persuade, allure, be silly); from pethi (simple, silly, foolish, easily deceived); from pathah (to be wide open, deceive, entice, persuade, to be simple, delude). This Japheth, meaning expansion.

11 Now the earthXLIV was corruptXLV in God’s sight,XLVI and the earthXLVII was filledXLVIII with violence.XLIX 

Notes on verse 6:11

XLIV “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.
XLV “was corrupt” = shachath. This is to go to ruin, perish, decay, batter, cast off, lose, one who destroys. This can be used in a literal or figurative sense.
XLVI “sight” = paneh. Same as {untranslated} in v6:7. See note XVIII above.
XLVII “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.
XLVIII “was filled” = male. This is fill, satisfy, replenish, accomplish, fulfill, confirm, or consecrate. It is fill in a literal or figurative sense.
XLIX “violence” = chamas. From chamas (to violate, do violence, to wrong; implies mistreatment). This is violence, cruelty, damage, wrong, injustice, or unrighteous. Violence implies a wrong done. The term is also used to describe unjust gain.

12 And God saw that the earthL was corrupt, for allLI fleshLII had corrupted its waysLIII upon the earth.LIV 

Notes on verse 6:12

L {untranslated} = hinneh. From hen (lo! Behold! If, though; an expression of surprise). This is to draw attention, show suddenness or surprise, or to emphasize the importance of the coming statement. See! Lo! Behold!
LI “all” = kol. Same as “every” in v6:5. See note VII above.
LII “flesh” = basar. From basar (being a messenger, publish, carry preach; properly, this is being fresh, rosy or cheerful as one bearing news). This is flesh, the body, fat, skin, self, nakedness, humankind, or kin. It can also refer to private parts.
LIII “ways” = derek. From darak (to tread, march, to walk. Can also mean affixing a string to a box since one needs to step on it to bend it in the process; so also an archer). This is a road as a thing that is walked on. Can be used figuratively for the path that one’s life takes or how one chooses to live one’s life.
LIV “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.

13 And God said to Noah, “ILV have determinedLVI to make an endLVII of all flesh, for the earthLVIII is filled with violence because ofLIX them; nowLX I am going to destroyLXI them along with the earth.LXII 

Notes on verse 6:13

LV “I” = paneh. Same as {untranslated} in v6:7. See note XVIII above.
LVI “determined” = bo. This is to enter, come in, advance, fulfill, bring offerings, enter to worship, attack. It can also have a sexual connotation.
LVII “end” = qets. From qatsats (to cut or chop off in a literal or figurative sense). This is outer border, end, or extremity. It can also mean infinite.
LVIII “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.
LIX “because of” = paneh. Same as {untranslated} in v6:7. See note XVIII above.
LX “now” = hen. Related to {untranslated} in v6:12. See note L above.
LXI “destroy” = shachath. Same as “was corrupt” in v6:11. See note XLV above.
LXII “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.

14 Make yourself an arkLXIII of cypressLXIV wood;LXV make roomsLXVI in the ark,

Notes on verse 6:14a

LXIII “ark” = tebah. Probably from Egyptian T-b-t (chest, coffin). Used for Moses’ basket, Noah’s ark, and the ark of the covenant.
LXIV “cypress” = gopher. 1x in OT. Root might mean to house in. This is some kind of wood – maybe a cypress. Usually it is simply called gopher wood, though there is no connection to the animal.
LXV “wood” = ets. Perhaps from atsah (to shut, fasten, firm up, to close one’s eyes). This is tree or other things related to trees like wood, sticks, or stalks. It can also refer to wood products like a plank or staff or gallows. Additionally, this can refer to a carpenter.
LXVI “rooms” = qen. 13x in OT. Perhaps from qanan (to nestle, make or inhabit a nest). This is a nest or nestling. It can also refer to a room or other dwelling.

and coverLXVII it insideLXVIII and outLXIX with pitch.LXX 

Notes on verse 6:14b

LXVII “cover” = kaphar. This is to appease, cover, pacify, cancel, make atonement, placate. Specifically, it can mean to cover with bitumen.
LXVIII “inside” = bayit. Related to “sons” in v6:10. Probably from banah (see note XL above). This is house, court, family, palace, temple.
LXIX “out” = chuts. Root may mean to sever. So, this is something that is separated by a wall – the outside, the street, a field, highway, or abroad.
LXX “pitch” = kopher. Related to “cover” in v6:14. 17x in OT. From kaphar (to appease, cover, pacify, cancel, cleanse, pardon). This is ransom, bribe, price of a life. Properly, it means something that covers something else. S, it can be a village, bitumen as a coating, a henna plant that dyes, or a ransom price.

15 This is how you are to make it: the lengthLXXI of the ark three hundredLXXII cubits,LXXIII

Notes on verse 6:15a

LXXI “length” = orek. From arak (to be long in a literal or figurative sense, to continue, defer, draw out). This is length, long, or forever.
LXXII “hundred” = meah. This is hundred or some number times one hundred (i.e. hundredfold or the base of two hundred, three hundred, etc.).
LXXIII “cubits” = ammah. From the same as em (mother). This is a cubit, post, threshold, pivot. It is mother as the basic measure (the length of the forearm). It is also mother as the which bonds an entryway i.e. the base of the door.

its widthLXXIV fiftyLXXV cubits, and its heightLXXVI thirtyLXXVII cubits. 

Notes on verse 6:15b

LXXIV “width” = rochab. From rachab (to grow wide or enlarge in a literal or figurative sense; extend, relieve, rejoice, or speak boldly). This is breadth, depth, thickness, expanse. It is width in a literal or figurative sense.
LXXV “fifty” = chamishshim. From chamesh (five, fifth). This is fifty.
LXXVI “height” = qomah.  From qum (to arise, stand, accomplish, establish, abide; rising against, getting up after being sick or asleep, arising from one state to another, becoming powerful, or rising for action; standing in a figurative sense). This is tall, high, length, or height.
LXXVII “thirty” = sheloshim. Related to “three” in v6:10. From the same as shalosh (see note XXXIX above). This is thirty or thirtieth.

16 Make a roofLXXVIII for the ark, and finishLXXIX it to a cubit above,LXXX and putLXXXI the doorLXXXII

Notes on verse 6:16a

LXXVIII “roof” = tsohar. From tsahar (pressing oil, glistening); from yitshar (fresh oil, anointed; oil as that which is burned to make light; used figuratively to talk about anointing). This is a light, window, or midday.
LXXIX “finish” = kalah. This is to end, be finished, complete, prepare, consume, spent, or completely destroyed.
LXXX “above” = maal. From alah (to go up, ascend, be high, be a priority; to arise in a literal or figurative sense). This is the upper part, forward, high above, upwards, greater, heaven, or exceedingly.
LXXXI “put” = sum. Related to “Shem” in v6:10. See note XLI above.
LXXXII “door” = pethach. From pathach (to open wide in a literal or figurative sense; to open, draw out, let something go free, break forth, to plow, engrave, or carve). This is any kind of opening – a door, entrance, gate.

of the ark in its side;LXXXIII make it with lower,LXXXIV second,LXXXV and thirdLXXXVI decks. 

Notes on verse 6:16b

LXXXIII “side” = tsad. Root may mean to sidle. This is a side or an arm. It can also be used to mean beside or, figuratively, an adversary.
LXXXIV “lower” = tachti. 19x in OT. From tachat (underneath, below, the bottom, instead of). This is beneath, the depths, foot of a mountain, a pit, the womb.
LXXXV “second” = sheni. From shanah (to fold, repeat, double, alter, or disguise). This is double, again, another, second.
LXXXVI “third” = shelishi. Related to “three” in v6:10 & “thirty” in v6:15. This is third or one-third of something.

17 For my part, ILXXXVII am going to bringLXXXVIII a floodLXXXIX of watersXC on the earth,XCI to destroy from underXCII heavenXCIII

Notes on verse 6:17a

LXXXVII {untranslated} = hen. Same as “now” in v6:13. See note LX above.
LXXXVIII “bring” = bo. Same as “determined” in v6:13. See note LVI above.
LXXXIX “flood” = mabbul. 13x in OT. Perhaps from yabal (to bring, carry, flow, lead forth). This is a flood or deluge.
XC “waters” = mayim. This is water, waters, or waterway in a general sense. Figuratively, it can also mean juice, urine, or semen.
XCI “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.
XCII “under” = tachat. Related to “lower” in v6:16. See note LXXXIV above.
XCIII “heaven” = shamayim. Same as “air” in v6:7. Se note XXV above.

all flesh in which is the breathXCIV of life;XCV everythingXCVI that is on the earthXCVII shall die.XCVIII 

Notes on verse 6:17b

XCIV “breath” = ruach. This is breath, wind, air, cool, spirit. This is wind, which resembles the breath and so this can be used figuratively for life itself or being frail/mortal/impermanent. It can refer to the air of the sky or the spirit.
XCV “life” = chay. From chayah (to live or keep alive literally or figuratively). This is alive, living, lifetime. It can also be used to describe someone’s age. It can refer to animals, plants, water, or a company or congregation of people. It is life in a very broad sense.
XCVI “everything” = kol. Same as “every” in v6:5. See note VII above.
XCVII “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.
XCVIII “die” = gava. This is to breathe out, which implies expire or die.

18 But I will establishXCIX my covenantC with you, and you shall comeCI into the ark, you, your sons, your wife,CII and your sons’ wives with you. 

Notes on verse 6:18

XCIX “establish” = qum. Related to “height” in v6:15. See note LXXVI above.
C “covenant” = berit. Perhaps from barah (to eat, choose, make clear); perhaps from bar (grain, wheat); from bara (to select, purify, cleanse, test, brighten, polish). This is a compact, covenant, alliance, treaty, or league.
CI “come” = bo. Same as “determined” in v6:13. See note LVI above.
CII “wife” = ishshah. Related to “man” in v6:9. From ish (man); perhaps from enosh (see note XXXIII above). This is woman, wife, or female.

19 And of every living thing,CIII of all flesh, you shall bring twoCIV of every kind into the ark, to keep them aliveCV with you; they shall be maleCVI and female.CVII 

Notes on verse 6:19

CIII “living thing” = chay. Same as “life” in v6:17. See note XCV above.
CIV “two” = shenayim. Related to “second” in v6:16. From sheni (see note LXXXV above). This is two, both, second, couple.
CV “keep…alive” = chayah. Related to “life” in v6:17. See note XCV above.
CVI “male” = zakar. From zakar (to remember, to mark something so that it can be recalled, to be mindful of, to mention). This is male. Properly, perhaps, it means one who is remembered, which is to say a male.
CVII “female” = neqebah. From naqab (to pierce, bore holes, puncture; to make a hole more or less forcefully; also to curse or libel). This is female or woman from an anatomical reference.

20 Of the birds according to their kindsCVIII and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the groundCIX according to its kind, two of every kind shall come in to you, to keep them alive. 21 Also takeCX with you every kind of foodCXI that is eaten,CXII

Notes on verses 6:20-21a

CVIII “kinds” = min. This is kind, sort, or species.
CIX “ground” = adamah. Same as “earth” in v6:7. See note XIX above.
CX “take” = laqach. This is to take, accept, carry away, receive. It can also have the sense of take a wife or take in marriage.
CXI “food” = ma’akal. From akal (to eat, devour, burn up, or otherwise consume; eating in a literal or figurative sense). This is food, something edible.
CXII “eaten” = akal. Related to “food” in v6:21. See note CXI above.

and storeCXIII it up, and it shall serveCXIV as foodCXV for you and for them.” 

22 Noah didCXVI this;CXVII he did all that God commandedCXVIII him.

Notes on verses 6:21b-22

CXIII “store” = asaph. This is to gather, assemble, or bring. It can also mean to take away, destroy, or remove.
CXIV “serve” = hayah. Same as “was” in v6:9. See note XXXI above.
CXV “food” = oklah. Related to “food” and “eaten” in v6:21. 18x in OT. From okel (food, prey, meat, eating); from akal (see note CXI above). This is food, eating, fuel, meat, consume.
CXVI “did” = asah. Same as “made” in v6:6. See note XV above.
CXVII “this” = ken. Perhaps from kun (properly, in a perpendicular position; literally, to establish, fix, fasten, prepare; figuratively, it is certainty, to be firm, faithfulness, render sure or prosperous). This is to set upright. Generally used figuratively to mean thus, so, afterwards, rightly so.
CXVIII “commanded” = tsavah. This is to charge, command, order, appoint, or enjoin. This is the root that the Hebrew word for “commandment” comes from (mitsvah).

8:6 CXIXAt the end of fortyCXX daysCXXI Noah openedCXXII the windowCXXIII of the ark that he had made 

Notes on verse 8:6

CXIX {untranslated} = hayah. Same as “was” in v6:9. See note XXXI above.
CXX “forty” = arbaim. From the same as arba (four); from raba (to make square or be four-sided); perhaps from raba (to lie down flat; can be to lie for mating). This is forty.
CXXI “days” = yom. Same as “continually” in v6:5. See note XIII above.
CXXII “opened” = pathach. Related to “door” in v6:16. See note LXXXII above.
CXXIII “window” = challon. From chalal (to pierce, which implies to wound; used figuratively for making someone or something profane or breaking your word; to begin as though one opened a wedge; to eat something as a common thing). This is window.

and sent outCXXIV the raven,CXXV and it wentCXXVI to and froCXXVII until the waters were dried upCXXVIII from the earth.CXXIX 

Notes on verse 8:7

CXXIV “sent out” = shalach. This is to send out, away, send for, forsake. It can also mean to divorce or set a slave free.
CXXV “raven” = oreb. 10x in OT. Perhaps from arab (to grow dark, become gloomy); from ereb (evening, night, twilight) or from arab (to bargain, barter, give or take in pledge; to braid or intermingle). This is a raven.
CXXVI “went” = yatsa + yatsa. This is to go or come out, bring forth, appear. It is to go out in a literal or figurative sense. The word is repeated twice – the second time as an Infinitive Absolute. The Infinitive Absolute serves to emphasize the sentiment of the word. It is rather like Foghorn Leghorn’s speech pattern, “I said, I said.”
CXXVII “fro” = shub. To turn back, return, turn away – literally or figuratively. Doesn’t necessarily imply going back to where you started from. This is also the root verb for the Hebrew word for repentance “teshubah.”
CXXVIII “dried up” = yabesh. This is to be dry, withered, confused, or ashamed. It can also be to fail.
CXXIX “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.

Then he sent out the doveCXXX from him to see if the waters had subsidedCXXXI from the faceCXXXII of the ground, but the dove found no placeCXXXIII to setCXXXIV its foot,CXXXV

Notes on verses 8:8-9a

CXXX “dove” = yonah. Perhaps from yayin (wine; root means to effervesce). This is a dove or pigeon. Used to refer to the exiles coming home, to describe sails of ships. Also used figuratively for mourning or as a description of beauty.
CXXXI “subsided” = qalal. This is to be little, insignificant, swift. It can also mean to bring down in esteem, create contempt, curse
CXXXII “face” = paneh. Same as {untranslated} in v6:7. See note XVIII above.
CXXXIII “place” = manoach. Related to “Noah” in v6:8. 6x in OT. From nuach (see note XXVI above). This is resting place, a restful state, quiet, a home.
CXXXIV {untranslated} = kaph. From kaphaph (to bend – from a root meaning curve or bend down). This is palm of the hand or sole of the foot, footstep, grasp. Figuratively, it can also mean power.
CXXXV “foot” = regel. This is foot, endurance, or journey. It is a foot as the means of walking and so it implies a step or a greater journey. It can be used euphemistically for private parts.

and it returnedCXXXVI to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the wholeCXXXVII earth.CXXXVIII So he put outCXXXIX his handCXL and took it and brought it into the ark with him. 

Notes on verse 8:9b

CXXXVI “returned” = shub. Same as “fro” in v8:7. See note CXXVII above.
CXXXVII “whole” = kol. Same as “every” in v6:5. See note VII above.
CXXXVIII “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.
CXXXIX “put out” = shalach. Same as “sent out” in v8:7. See note CXXIV above.
CXL “hand” = yad. This is hand, ability, power. Hand in a literal sense, but also what one can do or the means by which one does it.

10 He waitedCXLI anotherCXLII sevenCXLIII days, and againCXLIV he sent out the dove from the ark, 

Notes on verse 8:10

CXLI “waited” = chul. This is whirling around so dancing as in a circle or writhing in pain. It is used particularly for the pain of childbirth or from writhing due to fear. It can also be falling in pain or waiting.
CXLII “another” = acher. From achar (to be behind, delay, be late, procrastinate, continue). This is following, next, strange, other.
CXLIII “seven” = sheba. This is seven or by sevenfold. It can also be used to imply a week or an indefinite number. Symbolically, this is the number of fullness, sacredness, perfection.
CXLIV “again” = yasaph. This is to add, increase, continue, exceed.

11 and the dove came back to him in theCXLV evening,CXLVI andCXLVII there in its beakCXLVIII

Notes on verse 8:11a

CXLV {untranslated} = et. Probably from anah (to answer, sing, announce); from ad (forever, all, old); from adah (to pass on, advance, decorate oneself). This is a period or season. It can also mean whenever or continually.
CXLVI “evening” = ereb. Related to “raven” in v8:7. See note CXXV above.
CXLVII {untranslated} = hinneh. Same as {untranslated} in v6:12. See note L above.
CXLVIII “beak” = peh. This is mouth in a literal or figurative sense. So, more literally, it can be beak or jaws. More figuratively, it refers to speech, commands, or promises.

was a freshly pluckedCXLIX oliveCL leaf;CLI so Noah knewCLII that the waters had subsided from the earth.CLIII 12 Then he waitedCLIV another seven days and sent out the dove, and it did notCLV return to him any more.

Notes on verses 8:11b-12

CXLIX “freshly plucked” = taraph. 1x in OT. From taraph (to tear or pluck off into pieces, to rend or catch; to supply with food). This is freshly torn and so fresh.
CL “olive” = zayit. This is olive tree, grove, or other parts of the olive tree like the branch or berry.
CLI “leaf” = aleh. Related to “above” in v6:16. 18x in OT. From alah (see note LXXX above). This is leaf, branch, or foliage.
CLII “knew” = yada. This is to know, acknowledge, advise, answer, be aware, be acquainted with. Properly, this is to figure something out by seeing. It includes ideas of observation, recognition, and care about something. It can be used causatively for instruction, designation, and punishment.
CLIII “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.
CLIV “waited” = yachal. This is to wait, which implies patience, hope, and trust. It can also be pained waiting.
CLV {untranslated} = yasaph. Same as “again” in v8:10. See note CXLIV above.

9:8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me,CLVI I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendantsCLVII afterCLVIII you 10 and with every livingCLIX creatureCLX that is with you, the birds,

Notes on verses 9:8-10a

CLVI {untranslated} = hen. Same as “now” in v6:13. See note LX above.
CLVII “descendants” = zera. From zara (to sow or scatter seed; conceive or yield). This is seed or sowing. It can, thus, mean a fruit, plant, sowing time, child, offspring, or posterity.
CLVIII “after” = achar. Related to “another” in v8:10. From achar (see note CXLII above). This is after or the last part, following.
CLIX “living” = chay. Same as “life” in v6:17. See note XCV above.
CLX “creature” = nephesh. Related to naphash (to refresh or be refreshed). This is soul, self, person, emotion. It is a breathing creature. Can also refer to appetites and desires.

the domestic animals,CLXI and every animalCLXII of the earthCLXIII with you, as manyCLXIV as came outCLXV of the ark.CLXVI 11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut offCLXVII by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.”CLXVIII 

Notes on verses 9:10b-11

CLXI “domestic animals” = behemah. Same as “animals” in v6:7. See note XXII above.
CLXII “animal” = chay. Same as “life” in v6:17. See note XCV above.
CLXIII “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.
CLXIV “as many” = kol. Same as “every” in v6:5. See note VII above.
CLXV “came out” = yatsa. Same as “went” in v8:7. See note CXXVI above.
CLXVI {untranslated} = kol + chay + erets. Literally, “every living thing of the earth.” Kol is the same as “every” in v6:5. See note VII above. Chay is the same as “life” in v6:17. See note XCV above. Erets is the same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.
CLXVII “cut off” = karat. This is to cut down, cut off, or make a covenant (idiom for making a covenant is “to cut a covenant”). It can also mean to destroy, fail, or consume.
CLXVIII “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.

12 God said, “This is the signCLXIX of the covenant that I makeCLXX betweenCLXXI me andCLXXII you andCLXXIII every living creature that is with you, for all futureCLXXIV generations: 

Notes on verse 9:12

CLXIX “sign” = ot. From avah (to mark, sign, point out); OR from uth (to agree). This is a sign in a literal or figurative sense. It could be a flag or monument. It could be evidence or a mark. It could also be an omen or a miracle. 
CLXX “make” = natan. This is to give, put, set, offer. It is to give literally or figuratively.
CLXXI “between” = bayin. From bin (to discern, consider, attend to; distinguishing things in one’s mind or, more generally, to understand). This is among, between, interval.
CLXXII {untranslated} = bayin. Same as “between” in v9:12.
CLXXIII {untranslated} = bayin. Same as “between” in v9:12.
CLXXIV “future” = olam. This is a long scope of time whether in the past (antiquity, ancient time) or in the future (eternal, everlasting).

13 I have setCLXXV my bowCLXXVI in the clouds,CLXXVII and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me andCLXXVIII the earth.CLXXIX 

Notes on verse 9:13

CLXXV “set” = natan. Same as “make” in v9:12. See note CLXX above.
CLXXVI “bow” = qesheth. Perhaps from qush (to set a trap, lure, ensnare) OR from qashah (to be fierce, cruel, dense, tough, severe). This is a bow, arrow, or archer. Bow can be used figuratively for strength.
CLXXVII “clouds” = anan. May be from anan (cover, cloud over; figuratively, acting in a secret way, practicing magic or soothsaying). This is a cloud as something that covers the sky.
CLXXVIII {untranslated} = bayin. Same as “between” in v9:12.
CLXXIX “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.

14 CLXXXWhen I bringCLXXXI clouds over the earthCLXXXII and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will rememberCLXXXIII my covenant that is between me andCLXXXIV you andCLXXXV every living creature of all flesh, and the waters shall never again becomeCLXXXVI a flood to destroy all flesh. 

Notes on verses 9:14-15

CLXXX {untranslated} = hayah. Same as “was” in v6:9. See note XXXI above.
CLXXXI “bring” = anan. Related to “clouds” in v9:13. 11x in OT. See note CLXXVII above.
CLXXXII “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.
CLXXXIII “remember” = zakar. Related to “male” in v6:19. See note CVI above.
CLXXXIV {untranslated} = bayin. Same as “between” in v9:12.
CLXXXV {untranslated} = bayin. Same as “between” in v9:12.
CLXXXVI “become” = hayah. Same as “was” in v6:9. See note XXXI above.

16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlastingCLXXXVII covenant between God andCLXXXVIII every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”CLXXXIX 

17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me andCXC all flesh that is on the earth.”CXCI

Notes on verses 9:16-17

CLXXXVII “everlasting” = olam. Same as “future” in v9:12. See note CLXXIV above.
CLXXXVIII {untranslated} = bayin. Same as “between” in v9:12.
CLXXXIX “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.
CXC {untranslated} = bayin. Same as “between” in v9:12.
CXCI “earth” = erets. Same as “earth” in v6:5. See note VI above.


Image credit: “Noah and the Ark” by Jeff Jacobs of FreeBibleimages.

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