Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18 & 8:6-18 & 9:8-13
Easter Vigil B
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7:1 Then the LordI said to Noah,II “GoIII into the ark,IV
Notes on verse 7:1a
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 “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.
III “go” = bo. This is to enter, come in, advance, fulfill, bring offerings, enter to worship, attack. It can also have a sexual connotation.
IV “ark” = tebah. Probably from Egyptian T-b-t (chest, coffin). Used for Moses’ basket, Noah’s ark, and the ark of the covenant.
you and allV your household,VI for I have seenVII that you alone are righteousVIII beforeIX me in this generation.X
Notes on verse 7:1b
V “all” = kol. From kalal (to complete). This is all or every.
VI “household” = bayit. Probably from banah (to build, make, set up, obtain children; to build literally or figuratively). This is house, court, family, palace, temple.
VII “seen” = raah. This is to see in a literal or figurative sense so stare, advise, think, view.
VIII “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.
IX “before” = 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.
X “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.
2 TakeXI with you sevenXII pairs of all cleanXIII animals,XIV
Notes on verse 7:2a
XI “take” = laqach. This is to take, accept, carry away, receive. It can also have the sense of take a wife or take in marriage.
XII “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.
XIII “clean” = tahor. From taher (bright, which implies being pure or clean; to purge, cleanse, or purify; clean in a ritual sense or a moral one (i.e. moral or holy)). This is clean or pure in a literal, ritual, or ethical sense.
XIV “animals” = behemah. This is animal or cattle. It is often used of large quadrupeds.
the maleXV and its mate;XVI and a pairXVII of the animals that are not clean, the male and its mate; 3 and seven pairs of the birdsXVIII of the airXIX also,
Notes on verses 7:2b-3a
XV “male” = ish. Perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is man, husband, another, or humankind.
XVI “mate” = ishshah. Related to “male” in v7:2. From ish (see note XV above). This is woman, wife, or female.
XVII “pair” = shenayim. From sheni (double, again, another, second); from shanah (to fold, repeat, double, alter, or disguise). This is two, both, second, couple.
XVIII “birds” = oph. From uph (to fly, flee, shine, be weary, be faint). This is a flying creature.
XIX “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.
maleXX and female,XXI to keep their kindXXII aliveXXIII on the faceXXIV of all the earth.XXV
Notes on verse 7:3b
XX “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.
XXI “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.
XXII “kind” = 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.
XXIII “keep…alive” = chayah. This is to live or keep alive in a literal or figurative sense. So, it can be revive, nourish, or save.
XXIV “face” = paneh. Same as “before” in v7:1. See note IX above.
XXV “earth” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.
4 For in seven daysXXVI I will send rain on the earth for fortyXXVII days and forty nights,XXVIII
Notes on verse 7:4a
XXVI “days” = yom. Root 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.
XXVII “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.
XXVIII “nights” = layil. Properly, this refers to light twisting away. It is used for night or midnight. Figuratively, this can mean adversity.
and everyXXIX living thingXXX that I have madeXXXI I will blot outXXXII from the face of the ground.”XXXIII
Notes on verse 7:4b
XXIX “every” = kol. Same as “all” in v7:1. See note V above.
XXX “living thing” = yequm. 3x in OT. 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 a living thing, something that exists, a substance.
XXXI “made” = asah. This is to make, do, act, appoint, become in many senses.
XXXII “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.
XXXIII “ground” = adamah. From the same as adam (man, humankind); perhaps from ‘adom (to be red). This is ground, earth, soil as red, or land.
5 And Noah did allXXXIV that the Lord had commandedXXXV him.
Notes on verse 7:5
XXXIV “did” = asah. Same as “made” in v7:4. See note XXXI above.
XXXV “commanded” = tsavah. This is to charge, command, order, appoint, or enjoin. This is the root that the Hebrew word for “commandment” comes from (mitsvah).
11 In the sixXXXVI hundredthXXXVII yearXXXVIII of Noah’s life,XXXIX
Notes on verse 7:11a
XXXVI “six” = shesh. This is six. Figuratively, it can be a surplus since it is one more than the number of fingers on the hand.
XXXVII “hundredth” = meah. This is hundred or some number times one hundred (i.e. hundredfold or the base of two hundred, three hundred, etc.).
XXXVIII “year” = shanah. From shana (to change, alter). This is a year, age, old. It can also mean yearly.
XXXIX “life” = chay. Related to “keep…alive” in v7:3. From chayah (see note XXIII above). 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.
in the secondXL month,XLI on the seventeenthXLII day of the month, on that day all the fountainsXLIII
Notes on verse 7:11b
XL “second” = sheni. Related to “pair” in v7:2. See note XVII above.
XLI “month” = chodesh. From chadash (to renew, repair). This refers to a new moon. It can also mean monthly.
XLII “seventeenth” = sheba + asar. Sheba is the same as “seven” in v7:2. See note XII above. Asar is from the same as eser (ten). This is -teen or -teenth.
XLIII “fountains” = mayan. From ayin (eye, appearance; eye in a literal or figurative sense; a fountain). This is a spring, well, or fountain. Figuratively, this is a source of contentment.
of the greatXLIV deepXLV burst forth,XLVI and the windowsXLVII of the heavensXLVIII were opened.XLIX
Notes on verse 7:11c
XLIV “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.
XLV “deep” = tehom. Perhaps from hum (to roar, murmur, cause an uproar, agitate; to defeat in battle, destroy). This is the deep or the abyss. Either understood as a formless empty place of nothingness or as a place of confusion filled with water – the deep the feeds the waters of the earth.
XLVI “burst forth” = baqa. This is to break open, breach, divide, rip, shake, tear. It can also mean dash into pieces or being ready to burst.
XLVII “windows” = arubbah. 9x in OT. From arab (to ambush, lurk, lie in wait). This is a window, lattice, dove-cote, chimney. It can also refer to floodgates. It is often used for the floodgates in the sky that open when great rains come (as in the Great Flood).
XLVIII “heavens” = shamayim. Same as “air” in v7:3. See note XIX above.
XLIX “opened” = patach. This is to open wide in a literal or figurative sense. It is open, draw out, let something go free, break forth. It can also mean plow, engrave, or carve.
12 The rainL fellLI on the earth forty days and forty nights. 13 On the veryLII same day Noah with his sons,LIII
Notes on verses 7:12-13a
L “rain” = geshem. Perhaps from gasham (to rain). This is rain, shower, or rainy. It can be used figuratively for blessing or for destruction.
LI “fell” = hayah. Related to “Lord” in v7:1. See note I above.
LII “very” = etsem. From atsam (vast, numerous, strong; to close one’s eyes, to make powerful; to break bones). This is self, life, strength, bone, or substance.
LIII “sons” = ben. Related to “household” in v7:1. From banah (see note VI above). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense.
ShemLIV and HamLV and Japheth,LVI
Notes on verse 7:13b
LIV “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.
LV “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
LVI “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.
and Noah’s wifeLVII and the threeLVIII wives of his sons enteredLIX the ark, 14 they and every wild animalLX of every kind and all domestic animalsLXI of every kind
Notes on verses 7:13c-14a
LVII “wife” = ishshah. Same as “mate” in v7:2. See note XVI above.
LVIII “three” = shalosh. This is three, fork, three times.
LIX “entered” = bo. Same as “go” in v7:1. See note III above.
LX “wild animal” = chay. Same as “life” in v7:11. See note XXXIX above.
LXI “domestic animals” = behemah. Same as “animals” in v7:2. See note XIV above.
and every creeping thingLXII that creepsLXIII on the earth and every birdLXIV of every kind.LXV
Notes on verse 7:14b
LXII “creeping thing” = 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.
LXIII “creeps” = ramas. Related to “creeping thing” in v7:14. 17x in OT. See note LXII above.
LXIV “bird” = tsippor. From tsaphar (to skip about, maybe to depart). This is a little bird like a sparrow – a little bird as one that hops about.
LXV “kind” = kanaph. This is wing, edge, corner, extremity. It can also be a flap or fold of a garment or the pinnacle of a building.
15 They went into the ark with Noah, two and two of all fleshLXVI in which there was the breathLXVII of life. 16 And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as GodLXVIII had commanded him, and the Lord shut himLXIX in.LXX
Notes on verses 7:15-16
LXVI “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.
LXVII “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.
LXVIII “God” = Elohim.
LXIX “him” = baad. Perhaps from ad (up to, while); from adah (to pass on, advance, decorate oneself). This is up to, behind, over, among.
LXX “shut…in” = sagar. This is to shut up, imprison, lock, hand over, or figuratively surrender.
17 The floodLXXI continuedLXXII forty days on the earth, and the watersLXXIII increasedLXXIV and bore upLXXV the ark, and it rose highLXXVI above the earth.
Notes on verse 7:17
LXXI “flood” = mabbul. 13x in OT. Perhaps from yabal (to bring, carry, flow, lead forth). This is a flood or deluge.
LXXII “continued” = hayah. Same as “fell” in v7:12. See note LI above.
LXXIII “waters” = mayim. This is water, waters, or waterway in a general sense. Figuratively, it can also mean juice, urine, or semen.
LXXIV “increased” = rabah. This is increasing in any aspect whether quantity, authority, size, quality, greatness, etc.
LXXV “bore up” = nasa. This is to lift in a broad sense, literally and figuratively. So it could be to carry, take, or arise. It could also be bring forth, advance, accept.
LXXVI “rose high” = rum. This is to rise or raise, to be high literally or figuratively. So it can also mean to exalt or extol.
18 The waters swelledLXXVII and increased greatlyLXXVIII on the earth, and the ark floatedLXXIX on the face of the waters.
Notes on verse 7:18
LXXVII “swelled” = gabar. This is to be strong or mighty. It can mean to prevail or to be insolent.
LXXVIII “greatly” = meod. Perhaps from the same as uwd (firebrand, a poker). This is very, greatly, exceedingly. It can also mean vehemence, force, abundance.
LXXIX “floated” = 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.
8:6 LXXXAt the endLXXXI of forty days Noah opened the windowLXXXII of the ark that he had made
Notes on verse 8:6
LXXX {untranslated} = hayah. Same as “fell” in v7:12. See note LI above.
LXXXI “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.
LXXXII “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.
7 and sent outLXXXIII the raven,LXXXIV and it wentLXXXV to and froLXXXVI until the waters were dried upLXXXVII from the earth.
Notes on verse 8:7
LXXXIII “sent out” = shalach. This is to send out, away, send for, forsake. It can also mean to divorce or set a slave free.
LXXXIV “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.
LXXXV “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.”
LXXXVI “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.”
LXXXVII “dried up” = yabesh. This is to be dry, withered, confused, or ashamed. It can also be to fail.
8 Then he sent out the doveLXXXVIII from him to see if the waters had subsidedLXXXIX from the face of the ground, 9 but the dove foundXC no placeXCI
Notes on verses 8:8-9a
LXXXVIII “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.
LXXXIX “subsided” = qalal. This is to be little, insignificant, swift. It can also mean to bring down in esteem, create contempt, curse.
XC “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.
XCI “place” = manoach. Related to “Noah” in v7:1. 6x in OT. From nuach (see note II above). This is resting place, a restful state, quiet, a home.
to set itsXCII foot,XCIII and it returnedXCIV to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the wholeXCV earth.
Notes on verse 8:9b
XCII {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.
XCIII “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.
XCIV “returned” = shub. Same as “fro” in v8:7. See note LXXXVI above.
XCV “whole” = kol. Same as “all” in v7:1. See note V above.
So he put outXCVI his handXCVII and took it and broughtXCVIII it into the ark with him. 10 He waitedXCIX anotherC seven days, and againCI he sent out the dove from the ark,
Notes on verses 8:9c-10
XCVI “put out” = shalach. Same as “sent out” in v8:7. See note LXXXIII above.
XCVII “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.
XCVIII “brought” = bo. Same as “go” in v7:1. See note III above.
XCIX “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.
C “another” = acher. From achar (to be behind, delay, be late, procrastinate, continue). This is following, next, strange, other.
CI “again” = yasaph. This is to add, increase, continue, exceed.
11 and the dove cameCII back to him inCIII the evening,CIV andCV there in its beakCVI
Notes on verse 8:11a
CII “came” = bo. Same as “go” in v7:1. See note III above.
CIII {untranslated} = eth. 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.
CIV “evening” = ereb. Perhaps related to “raven” in v8:7. See note LXXXIV above.
CV {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!
CVI “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 pluckedCVII oliveCVIII leaf;CIX so Noah knewCX that the waters had subsided from the earth. 12 Then he waitedCXI another seven days and sent out the dove, and it did not return to him any more.
Notes on verses 8:11b-12
CVII “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 newly torn off or plucked, which would mean something fresh.
CVIII “olive” = zayit. This is olive tree, grove, or other parts of the olive tree like the branch or berry.
CIX “leaf” = aleh. 18x in OT. From alah (to go up, climb, to be high; to arise in a literal or figurative sense). This is leaf, branch, or foliage.
CX “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.
CXI “waited” = yachal. This is to wait, which implies patience, hope, and trust. It can also be pained waiting.
13 CXIIIn the six hundred firstCXIII year, in the firstCXIV month, on the firstCXV day of the month, the waters were dried upCXVI from the earth,
Notes on verse 8:13a
CXII {untranslated} = hayah. Same as “fell” in v7:12. See note LI above.
CXIII “first” = echad. Perhaps from achad (to unify, continue on a path; figuratively, to gather one’s thoughts). This is the number one, first, united. It can also be alone, altogether, a certain, a few.
CXIV “first” = rishon. From rishah (beginning or early time); from rosh (head, captain, or chief; excellent or the forefront; first in position or in statue or in time). This is first, former, ancestor, beginning, ranked first.
CXV “first” = echad. Same as “first” in v8:13. See note CXIII above.
CXVI “dried up” = charab. This is to dry up because of drought, destroy, or make waste.
and Noah removedCXVII the coveringCXVIII of the ark and lookedCXIX and sawCXX that the face of the ground was drying.
Notes on verse 8:13b
CXVII “removed” = sur. This is to turn aside in a literal or figurative sense – to depart, decline, rebel, remove, or withdraw.
CXVIII “covering” = mikseh. 16x in OT. From kasah (to cover, conceal, overwhelm; to cover as clothes do or to hide a secret). This is a covering.
CXIX “looked” = raah. Same as “seen” in v7:1. See note VII above.
CXX “saw” = hinneh. Same as {untranslated} in v8:11. See note CV above.
14 In the second month, on the twenty-seventhCXXI day of the month, the earth was dry. 15 Then God saidCXXII to Noah, 16 “Go outCXXIII of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. 17 Bring outCXXIV with you every living thingCXXV that is with you of all flesh—
Notes on verses 8:14-17a
CXXI “twenty-seventh” = sheba + esrim. Sheba is the same as “seven” in v7:2. See note XII above. Esrim is related to “seventeenth” in v7:11. From the same as eser (see note XLII above). This is twenty or twentieth.
CXXII “said” = dabar. This is generally to speak, answer, declare, or command. It might mean to arrange and so to speak in a figurative sense as arranging words.
CXXIII “go out” = yatsa. Same as “went” in v8:7. See note LXXXV above.
CXXIV “bring out” = yatsa. Same as “went” in v8:7. See note LXXXV above.
CXXV “living thing” = chay. Same as “life” in v7:11. See note XXXIX above.
birdsCXXVI and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth—so that they may aboundCXXVII on the earth and be fruitfulCXXVIII and multiplyCXXIX on the earth.” 18 So Noah went out with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives.
Notes on verses 8:17b-18
CXXVI “birds” = oph. Same as “birds” in v7:3. See note XVIII above.
CXXVII “abound” = sharats. 14x in OT. This is to swarm, creep, abound, breed a lot, wriggle.
CXXVIII “be fruitful” = parah. This is to bear fruit, grow, be fruitful, increase. It is bearing fruit in a literal or figurative sense.
CXXIX “multiply” = rabah. Same as “increased” in v7:17. See note LXXIV above.
9:8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 “As for me,CXXX I am establishingCXXXI my covenantCXXXII with you and your descendantsCXXXIII afterCXXXIV you
Notes on verses 9:8-9
CXXX {untranslated} = hen. Related to {untranslated} in v8:11. See note CV above.
CXXXI “establishing” = qum. Related to “living thing” in v7:4. See note XXX above.
CXXXII “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.
CXXXIII “descendants” = zera. Same as “kind” in v7:3. See note XXII above.
CXXXIV “after” = achar. Related to “another” in v8:10. From achar (see note C above). This is after or the last part, following.
10 and with every livingCXXXV creatureCXXXVI that is with you, the birds,CXXXVII the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as manyCXXXVIII as came outCXXXIX of the ark.CXL
Notes on verse 9:10
CXXXV “living” = chay. Same as “life” in v7:11. See note XXXIX above.
CXXXVI “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.
CXXXVII “birds” = oph. Same as “birds” in v7:3. See note XVIII above.
CXXXVIII “as many” = kol. Same as “all” in v7:1. See note V above.
CXXXIX “came out” = yatsa. Same as “went” in v8:7. See note LXXXV above.
CXL Some manuscripts add “every animal of the earth” = kol + chay + erets. Kol is the same as “all” in v7:1. See note V above. Chay is the same as “life” in v7:11. See note XXXIX above. Erets is the same as “earth” in v7:3. See note XXV above.
11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh beCXLI cut offCXLII by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroyCXLIII the earth.”
12 God said, “This is the signCXLIV of the covenant that I makeCXLV betweenCXLVI me and you
Notes on verses 9:11-12a
CXLI “be” = hayah. Same as “fell” in v7:12. See note LI above.
CXLII “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.
CXLIII “destroy” = shachat. 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.
CXLIV “sign” = oth. 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.
CXLV “make” = natan. This is to give, put, set, offer. It is to give literally or figuratively.
CXLVI “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.
and every livingCXLVII creature that is with you, for all futureCXLVIII generations: 13 I have setCXLIX my bowCL in the clouds,CLI and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.
Notes on verses 9:12b-13
CXLVII “living” = chay. Same as “life” in v7:11. See note XXXIX above.
CXLVIII “future” = olam. This is a long scope of time whether in the past (antiquity, ancient time) or in the future (eternal, everlasting).
CXLIX “set” = natan. Same as “make” in v9:12. See note CXLV above.
CL “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.
CLI “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.
Image credit: “Noah’s Ark” by Hans von Faber du Faur, before 1931.