Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Genesis, Chapter 9בראשית 9

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

The first ordered life after the flood is established here through blessing, prohibition, covenant, and household judgment. God blesses Noah and his sons, renews the command to be fruitful and multiply, and places humanity once more at the center of the creaturely order, though now with a sharper sense of fear, vulnerability, and blood-accountability in the post-flood world. Food is granted more broadly, yet blood remains forbidden because life belongs to God, and the shedding of human blood is given a special gravity because humankind is made in the image of God. The narrative therefore constructs common human life after judgment as a world of real stability and real moral boundaries. It is not a fresh Eden, but a preserved earth in which divine blessing and divine restraint are both made explicit. That ordered life is then secured by the covenant with Noah, his offspring, and every living creature, with the bow in the clouds marking YHWH's public pledge never again to destroy all flesh by floodwaters. Yet the narrative refuses to let covenantal stability be mistaken for moral innocence. Noah's vineyard, drunken exposure, Ham's conduct, and the differentiated responses of Shem and Japheth show that the post-flood family remains capable of shame and fracture. Curse and blessing are spoken again within the very household that has just emerged from global judgment. It therefore binds creation blessing, blood-sanctity, universal covenant, cosmic stability, filial dishonor, and future-shaping speech into the narrative that establishes the post-diluvian world while making clear that the preserved human race is still morally compromised.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. A foundational covenant chapter stands here, bringing the flood narrative into its first settled post-diluvian order. Verses 1-7 deliberately echo creation language from Genesis 1, especially the blessing and command to be fruitful and multiply, yet the human relation to the animal world is now marked by fear and dread as well as by granted use for food. Verse 4's prohibition on flesh with its life, that is its blood, is a key interpretive hinge for later biblical and theological reflection, since blood is treated not merely as matter but as life-bearing. Verses 5-6 intensify the sanctity of human life by grounding blood-accountability in the image of God; the compact juridical saying of v.6 is one of the narrative's most cited formulations and requires careful handling so that both its retributive force and its theological basis are preserved. In vv.8-17 the covenant with Noah, his offspring, and every living creature is universal in scope and is explicitly tied to the promise that floodwaters will never again destroy all flesh. The bow in the clouds is presented as the covenant sign, and the language of God's remembering should again be heard as effective covenant regard rather than recovery from forgetfulness. The final scene in vv.18-29 introduces the first major post-flood moral disorder. Noah's planting of a vineyard, intoxication, and uncovered state, together with Ham's seeing and telling and the contrasting discretion of Shem and Japheth, have generated extensive debate, especially over the precise force of Ham's offense and the reason the curse falls upon Canaan. This project preserves the MT's wording without forcing the episode beyond what the Hebrew text itself states, while recognizing the long interpretive history surrounding it. The close ties Noah back into the genealogical rhythm of Genesis through his years and death. Versification follows the MT.

1

וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶת נֹ֖חַ וְאֶת בָּנָ֑יו וַיֹּ֧אמֶר לָהֶ֛ם פְּר֥וּ וּרְב֖וּ וּמִלְא֥וּ אֶת הָאָֽרֶץ

And God blessed Noah and his sons, and he said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.'

Post-flood re-commissioning: blessing and creation mandate are renewedוַיְבָרֶךְ
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיְבָ֣רֶךְand he blessedPiel wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb main clause→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel 'to bless'; speech-act renewing the creation blessing post-flood.
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of בָּרַךְאֱלֹהִים (H430) plural form taking singular verbs; Israel's sovereign deity.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
נֹ֖חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Direct object (Noah)נֹחַ (H5146) 'Noah, rest'; flood patriarch and primary covenant recipient.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conj + direct-object marker
בָּנָ֑יוhis sonsN m pl constr + 3ms suff · בֵּן (H1121)Second direct objectבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Noah's three sons are co-recipients of the blessing.
וַיֹּ֧אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the direct divine speech of mandate.
לָהֶ֛םto themprep לְ + 3mp suffIndirect objectprep לְ 'to, for'; marks the addressees of the divine commission.
פְּר֥וּbe fruitfulQal impv 2mp · פָּרָה (H6509)Imperative divine command→ Volitional: mandate to bear offspringפָּרָה (H6509) 'to be fruitful, bear fruit'; echoes Gen 1:28 creation mandate.
וּרְב֖וּand multiplyconj וּ + Qal impv 2mp · רָבָה (H7235)Second coordinate imperative→ Volitional: multiply abundantlyרָבָה (H7235) 'to multiply, increase'; second member of the creation triplet.
וּמִלְא֥וּand fillconj וּ + Qal impv 2mp · מָלֵא (H4390)Third coordinate imperative→ Volitional: fill the earth with lifeמָלֵא (H4390) 'to fill, be full'; third leg of the renewed creation commission.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of מִלְאוּאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the whole world to be repopulated.
2

וּמוֹרַאֲכֶ֤ם וְחִתְּכֶם֙ יִֽהְיֶ֔ה עַ֚ל כָּל חַיַּ֣ת הָאָ֔רֶץ וְעַ֖ל כָּל ע֣וֹף הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם בְּכֹל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּרְמֹ֧שׂ הָֽאֲדָמָ֛ה וּֽבְכָל דְּגֵ֥י הַיָּ֖ם בְּיֶדְכֶ֥ם נִתָּֽנוּ

And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth and upon every bird of the heavens, with everything that creeps on the ground and with all the fish of the sea; into your hand they are given.

elaborationand
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וּמוֹרַאֲכֶ֤םand your fearconj וּ + N m sg constr + 2mp suff · מוֹרָא (H4172)Subject (first of pair)מוֹרָא (H4172) 'fear, terror'; dread humans now inspire in animals post-fall.
וְחִתְּכֶם֙and your dreadconj וְ + N m sg constr + 2mp suff · חַת (H2844)Subject (second of pair)חַת (H2844) 'terror, dread'; rare word paired with מוֹרָא for totality of animal fear.
יִֽהְיֶ֔הshall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb main clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — ongoing future stateהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; marks the new post-flood creational order.
עַ֚לuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative preposition phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; governs the domain of animal fear.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in constructכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; universal scope of animal fear.
חַיַּ֣תbeast ofN f sg constr · חַיָּה (H2416)Construct chain headחַיָּה (H2416) 'living creature, wild beast'; land animals in construct with הָאָרֶץ.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitival noun (of the earth)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; scope of the land animals.
וְעַ֖לand uponconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinating conj + prep
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in construct
ע֣וֹףbird ofN m sg constr · עוֹף (H5775)Construct chain headעוֹף (H5775) 'bird, flying creature'; collective for all birds.
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Genitival noun (of heaven)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; dwelling and domain of birds.
בְּכֹל֩in allprep בְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (extent)כֹּל (H3605) here absolute; comprehensiveness of dominion over all creeping things.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative marker; introduces the creeping-things clause.
תִּרְמֹ֧שׂcreepsQal impf 3fs · רָמַשׂ (H7430)Relative clause predicate→ Yiqtol: habitual creeping motionרָמַשׂ (H7430) 'to creep, move along ground'; characteristic of small ground animals.
הָֽאֲדָמָ֛הthe groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Subject of תִּרְמֹשׂאֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, soil'; the earth's surface as animal habitat.
וּֽבְכָלand in allconj וּ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinating prepositional phrase
דְּגֵ֥יfish ofN m pl constr · דָּג (H1709)Construct chain headדָּג (H1709) 'fish'; collective term for all aquatic creatures.
הַיָּ֖םthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Genitival noun (of the sea)יָם (H3220) 'sea'; dominion extended to all aquatic life.
בְּיֶדְכֶ֥םinto your handprep בְּ + N (c) sg constr + 2mp suff · יָד (H3027)Locative-instrumental phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom for authority and possession over animals.
נִתָּֽנוּthey are givenNiphal perf 3cp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb main clause→ Perfective: divine grant declared as completed factנָתַן (H5414) Niphal 'to be given'; divine passive — God grants dominion over animals.
3

כָּל רֶ֨מֶשׂ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הוּא חַ֔י לָכֶ֥ם יִהְיֶ֖ה לְאָכְלָ֑ה כְּיֶ֣רֶק עֵ֔שֶׂב נָתַ֥תִּי לָכֶ֖ם אֶת כֹּֽל

Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. As I gave the green plants, I have given you everything.

elaborationevery moving thing
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'every, all'; universal scope of the food grant.
רֶ֨מֶשׂ֙moving creatureN m sg abs · רֶמֶשׂ (H7431)Head noun in quantifier phraseרֶמֶשׂ (H7431) 'creeping/moving thing'; broad category of animal life.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducer
הוּאitpersonal pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of relative clauseהוּא (H1931) 'he/it'; resumptive pronoun emphasizing each creature individually.
חַ֔יaliveadj m sg abs · חַי (H2416)Predicate adjective (is alive)חַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; any creature possessing life qualifies.
לָכֶ֥םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffBenefactive dativeprep לְ 'to, for'; marks recipients of the divine food grant.
יִהְיֶ֖הshall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb main clause→ Yiqtol: modal — ongoing food grantהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; predicates the food-grant as an ongoing permission.
לְאָכְלָ֑הfor foodprep לְ + N f sg abs · אָכְלָה (H402)Predicate complement (purpose)אָכְלָה (H402) 'food, nourishment'; purpose for which animal life is divinely granted.
כְּיֶ֣רֶקlike greenprep כְּ + N m sg abs · יֶרֶק (H3418)Comparative prepositional phraseיֶרֶק (H3418) 'green vegetation'; as plants were given in Gen 1:29.
עֵ֔שֶׂבplantsN m sg abs · עֵשֶׂב (H6212)Genitive of כְּיֶרֶקעֵשֶׂב (H6212) 'herb, plant'; echoes the original food provision of Gen 1:29-30.
נָתַ֥תִּיI gaveQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb causal clause→ Perfective: completed past creative actנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; God's prior vegetable grant now extended to animals.
לָכֶ֖םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffIndirect object
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
כֹּֽלeverythingN m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (all things)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, everything'; the divine food gift is comprehensive.
4

אַךְ בָּשָׂ֕ר בְּנַפְשׁ֥וֹ דָמ֖וֹ לֹ֥א תֹאכֵֽלוּ

Only flesh with its life, that is, its blood, you shall not eat.

Restrictive qualification limiting the grant of animal foodאַךְ
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
אַךְonlyrestrictive particle · אַךְ (H389)Restrictive adverbאַךְ (H389) 'however, only, but'; marks the single exception to the food grant.
בָּשָׂ֕רfleshN m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Topic noun (fronted)בָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, meat'; the food permitted in v.3 but now restricted in one form.
בְּנַפְשׁ֥וֹwith its lifeprep בְּ + N (c) sg constr + 3ms suff · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Instrumental-locative phraseנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'life, soul, vitality'; blood identified as the seat of creaturely life.
דָמ֖וֹits bloodN m sg constr + 3ms suff · דָּם (H1818)Appositive (defining נֶפֶשׁ)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; explicitly equated with נֶפֶשׁ as life-bearer.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleלֹא (H3808) 'no, not'; absolute prohibition.
תֹאכֵֽלוּyou shall eatQal impf 2mp · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (prohibition)→ Yiqtol: modal — prohibitive (you shall not eat)אָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; prohibition governs meat with blood still in it.
5

וְאַ֨ךְ אֶת דִּמְכֶ֤ם לְנַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶם֙ אֶדְרֹ֔שׁ מִיַּ֥ד כָּל חַיָּ֖ה אֶדְרְשֶׁ֑נּוּ וּמִיַּ֣ד הָֽאָדָ֗ם מִיַּד֙ אִ֣ישׁ אָחִ֔יו אֶדְרֹ֖שׁ אֶת נֶ֥פֶשׁ הָֽאָדָֽם

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

Heightened sanction: God declares blood-accountability for human lifeוְאַךְ
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְאַ֨ךְand surelyconj וְ + adverb · אַךְ (H389)Intensifying connective adverbאַךְ (H389) 'indeed, surely'; heightens the gravity of the accountability clause.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
דִּמְכֶ֤םyour bloodN m sg constr + 2mp suff · דָּם (H1818)Direct object (fronted)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; human blood as life entrusted to and required by God.
לְנַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶם֙for your livesprep לְ + N (c) pl constr + 2mp suff · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Prepositional phrase (purpose)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'life'; God holds each person accountable for every human life.
אֶדְרֹ֔שׁI will requireQal impf 1cs · דָּרַשׁ (H1875)Predicate verb (divine declaration)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — ongoing divine reckoningדָּרַשׁ (H1875) 'to seek, require, demand'; God demands account of each life taken.
מִיַּ֥דfrom the hand ofprep מִן + N (c) sg constr · יָד (H3027)Source prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiomatic for agency and moral responsibility.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier
חַיָּ֖הliving creatureN f sg abs · חַיָּה (H2416)Object of מִיַּדחַיָּה (H2416) 'animal, beast'; even animals are held accountable for killing humans.
אֶדְרְשֶׁ֑נּוּI will require itQal impf 1cs + 3ms suff · דָּרַשׁ (H1875)Resumed predicate + object suffix→ Yiqtol: imperfective — divine reckoning extendedדָּרַשׁ (H1875) 'to require'; suffix refers back to the blood/life.
וּמִיַּ֣דand from hand ofconj וּ + prep מִן + N (c) sg constr · יָד (H3027)Coordinated source phrase
הָֽאָדָ֗םhumankindart + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Object of מִיַּד (humanity)אָדָם (H120) 'humankind'; accountability extends to every human being.
מִיַּד֙from the hand ofprep מִן + N (c) sg constr · יָד (H3027)Repeated source phrase (intensified)
אִ֣ישׁeach man'sN m sg constr · אִישׁ (H376)Construct headאִישׁ (H376) 'man, each person'; accountability is personal and individual.
אָחִ֔יוhis brotherN m sg constr + 3ms suff · אָח (H251)Genitival (brother-to-brother)אָח (H251) 'brother'; fraternal bond makes bloodshed especially culpable.
אֶדְרֹ֖שׁI will requireQal impf 1cs · דָּרַשׁ (H1875)Predicate verb (resumed)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — divine requirement
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
נֶ֥פֶשׁlife ofN (c) sg constr · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object (construct head)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'life, person'; the life taken is what God requires back.
הָֽאָדָֽםthe manart + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Genitival noun (of man)אָדָם (H120) 'man, humankind'; the life of every person is under God's protection.
6

שֹׁפֵךְ֙ דַּ֣ם הָֽאָדָ֔ם בָּֽאָדָ֖ם דָּמ֣וֹ יִשָּׁפֵ֑ךְ כִּ֚י בְּצֶ֣לֶם אֱלֹהִ֔ים עָשָׂ֖ה אֶת הָאָדָֽם

Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God he made man.

Juridical maxim grounding blood-requital in the image of Godשֹׁפֵךְ
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
שֹׁפֵךְ֙one who shedsQal ptc m sg constr · שָׁפַךְ (H8210)Nominal participle (subject)→ Participle: general present/habitual — whoever sheds bloodשָׁפַךְ (H8210) 'to pour out, shed'; used of violent bloodshed and killing.
דַּ֣םblood ofN m sg constr · דָּם (H1818)Direct object (construct head)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; human blood as life-carrier demanding divine accounting.
הָֽאָדָ֔םhumankindart + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Genitival (of humanity)אָדָם (H120) 'humankind'; blood of any human being is protected.
בָּֽאָדָ֖םby manprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Instrumental prepositional phraseאָדָם (H120) 'man'; humanity itself is the instrument of retributive justice.
דָּמ֣וֹhis bloodN m sg constr + 3ms suff · דָּם (H1818)Subject of יִשָּׁפֵךְדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; the murderer's own blood is forfeited.
יִשָּׁפֵ֑ךְshall be shedNiphal impf 3ms · שָׁפַךְ (H8210)Predicate verb (apodosis)→ Yiqtol: modal — juridical consequence (lex talionis)שָׁפַךְ (H8210) Niphal 'to be shed'; blood demands blood in return.
כִּ֚יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; grounds the capital law in theological reason.
בְּצֶ֣לֶםin the image ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · צֶלֶם (H6754)Prepositional phrase (theological ground)צֶלֶם (H6754) 'image, likeness'; the divine image is the basis for human dignity.
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitival (image of God)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; the ground of human dignity and bloodshed's special gravity.
עָשָׂ֖הhe madeQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: completed divine creative actעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do'; God made humanity in his own image.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָאָדָֽםhumankindart + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Direct object of עָשָׂהאָדָם (H120) 'humankind'; all humans bear God's image, grounding blood-prohibition.
7

וְאַתֶּ֖ם פְּר֣וּ וּרְב֑וּ שִׁרְצ֥וּ בָאָ֖רֶץ וּרְבוּ בָֽהּ

And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant that I am giving between me and you and between every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:'

Introduction of the covenant sign that will embody the promiseוַיֹּאמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וְאַתֶּ֖םand youconj וְ + personal pronoun 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Emphatic subject pronounאַתֶּם (H859) '(you pl.)'; emphatic resumption of the command to Noah and sons.
פְּר֣וּbe fruitfulQal impv 2mp · פָּרָה (H6509)Imperative divine command→ Volitional: mandate to bear offspringפָּרָה (H6509) 'to be fruitful'; verbal commission matching v.1's blessing.
וּרְב֑וּand multiplyconj וּ + Qal impv 2mp · רָבָה (H7235)Coordinated imperative→ Volitional: multiply abundantlyרָבָה (H7235) 'to multiply, increase'; creation mandate repeated for emphasis.
שִׁרְצ֥וּswarmQal impv 2mp · שָׁרַץ (H8317)Third coordinated imperative→ Volitional: proliferate abundantly on earthשָׁרַץ (H8317) 'to swarm, teem'; Gen 1 language of teeming abundance.
בָאָ֖רֶץin the earthprep בְּ + art + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the domain of human proliferation.
וּרְבוּand multiplyconj וּ + Qal impv 2mp · רָבָה (H7235)Resumed imperative (emphatic)→ Volitional: reiterated for stressרָבָה (H7235) 'to multiply'; repetition stresses the command's urgency.
בָֽהּin itprep בְּ + 3fs suffLocative phrase (pronoun)prep בְּ + suff; refers anaphorically to הָאָרֶץ the earth.
8

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל נֹ֔חַ וְאֶל בָּנָ֥יו אִתּ֖וֹ לֵאמֹֽר

And God said to Noah and to his sons with him, saying,

Speech introduction: formal turn to covenant declarationוַיֹּאמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the formal covenant speech.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subjectאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; divine speaker and sole initiator of the covenant.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositionאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the addressee of divine speech.
נֹ֔חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Indirect object (addressee)נֹחַ (H5146) 'Noah'; primary covenant recipient.
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinated preposition
בָּנָ֥יוhis sonsN m pl constr + 3ms suff · בֵּן (H1121)Second addresseeבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the covenant encompasses Noah's sons and their descendants.
אִתּ֖וֹwith himprep אֵת + 3ms suff · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; sons were accompanying Noah at this moment.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive of purpose (speech marker)→ Infinitive construct: purpose — to sayאָמַר (H559) inf constr; standard biblical formula introducing direct speech.
9

וַאֲנִ֕י הִנְנִ֥י מֵקִ֛ים אֶת בְּרִיתִ֖י אִתְּכֶ֑ם וְאֶֽת זַרְעֲכֶ֖ם אַֽחֲרֵיכֶֽם

And I, behold, I am establishing my covenant with you and with your offspring after you,

Self-emphatic divine declaration of covenant establishmentוַאֲנִי הִנְנִי
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַאֲנִ֕יand Iconj וַ + personal pronoun 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Emphatic subject pronounאֲנִי (H589) '(I)'; emphatic; God speaks as sole and unilateral covenant initiator.
הִנְנִ֥יbehold Iinterjection + 1cs suff · הִנֵּה (H2005)Presentative particle (attention focus)הִנֵּה (H2005) 'behold'; directs attention to the following participial action.
מֵקִ֛יםestablishingHiphil ptc m sg abs · קוּם (H6965)Participle predicate (periphrastic)→ Participle: imminent progressive action about to be performedקוּם (H6965) Hiphil 'to establish, cause to stand'; technical covenant ratification term.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בְּרִיתִ֖יmy covenantN f sg constr + 1cs suff · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct objectבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant, treaty'; the binding divine commitment central to ch.9.
אִתְּכֶ֑םwith youprep אֵת + 2mp suff · אֵת (H854)Comitative phrase (covenant party)אֵת (H854) 'with'; marks Noah and sons as the human covenant partner.
וְאֶֽתand withconj וְ + prep · אֵת (H854)Coordinating conj + prep
זַרְעֲכֶ֖םyour offspringN m sg constr + 2mp suff · זֶרַע (H2233)Second covenant partyזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring'; the covenant extends to all future descendants.
אַֽחֲרֵיכֶֽםafter youprep אַחַר + 2mp suff · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; the covenant endures through all coming generations.
10

וְאֵ֨ת כָּל נֶ֤פֶשׁ הַֽחַיָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתְּכֶ֔ם בָּע֧וֹף בַּבְּהֵמָ֛ה וּֽבְכָל חַיַּ֥ת הָאָ֖רֶץ אִתְּכֶ֑ם מִכֹּל֙ יֹצְאֵ֣י הַתֵּבָ֔ה לְכֹ֖ל חַיַּ֥ת הָאָֽרֶץ

and with every living creature that is with you: among the birds, among the livestock, and among every beast of the earth with you, from all that came out of the ark, indeed every beast of the earth.

Expansion of the covenant parties to include the animal worldוְאֵת כָּל
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְאֵ֨תand withconj וְ + prep · אֵת (H854)Coordinating conj + prep
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'every, all'; universal scope of the covenant parties.
נֶ֤פֶשׁliving beingN (c) sg constr · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Construct chain headנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'living being'; each individual creature is a covenant party.
הַֽחַיָּה֙the livingart + adj f sg abs · חַי (H2416)Attributive adjectiveחַי (H2416) 'living'; adjectival form qualifying נֶפֶשׁ — only living creatures are meant.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducer
אִתְּכֶ֔םwith youprep אֵת + 2mp suff · אֵת (H854)Relative clause predicate phrase
בָּע֧וֹףamong the birdsprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · עוֹף (H5775)Appositional specificationעוֹף (H5775) 'birds'; first category of non-human covenant parties.
בַּבְּהֵמָ֛הamong livestockprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Second appositional categoryבְּהֵמָה (H929) 'livestock, domestic animals'; second category of covenant parties.
וּֽבְכָלand in allconj וּ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Third appositional category
חַיַּ֥תwild animals ofN f sg constr · חַיָּה (H2416)Construct chain headחַיָּה (H2416) 'wild beast'; third category — all wild animals included.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitival nounאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth'; habitat of wild animals in the covenant.
אִתְּכֶ֑םwith youprep אֵת + 2mp suff · אֵת (H854)Repeated comitative phrase
מִכֹּל֙from allprep מִן + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Partitive prepositional phrase
יֹצְאֵ֣יthose who went outQal ptc m pl constr · יָצָא (H3318)Participial construct phrase→ Participle: attributive — those who came out of the arkיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; refers to the animals that exited the ark.
הַתֵּבָ֔הthe arkart + N f sg abs · תֵּבָה (H8392)Object of יֹצְאֵיתֵּבָה (H8392) 'ark, vessel'; the salvation vessel — survivors are covenant parties.
לְכֹ֖לto allprep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Appositional extension (summarizing)
חַיַּ֥תanimals ofN f sg constr · חַיָּה (H2416)Construct head (summary)חַיָּה (H2416) 'beast'; summary repetition enclosing the list.
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitival (of the earth)
11

וַהֲקִמֹתִ֤י אֶת בְּרִיתִי֙ אִתְּכֶ֔ם וְלֹֽא יִכָּרֵ֧ת כָּל בָּשָׂ֛ר ע֖וֹד מִמֵּ֣י הַמַּבּ֑וּל וְלֹֽא יִהְיֶ֥ה ע֛וֹד מַבּ֖וּל לְשַׁחֵ֥ת הָאָֽרֶץ

And I will establish my covenant with you: never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.

Covenant promise specifying the negative guarantee against another floodוַהֲקִמֹתִי
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַהֲקִמֹתִ֤יI will establishHiphil weqatal 1cs · קוּם (H6965)Weqatal of covenant promise→ Weqatal: sequential future commitmentקוּם (H6965) Hiphil 'to establish, ratify'; covenant confirmation term.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בְּרִיתִי֙my covenantN f sg constr + 1cs suff · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct objectבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the formal binding commitment of God with all flesh.
אִתְּכֶ֔םwith youprep אֵת + 2mp suff · אֵת (H854)Comitative (covenant party)
וְלֹֽאand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative conjunctionלֹא (H3808) 'not'; introduces the negative guarantee of the covenant.
יִכָּרֵ֧תshall be cut offNiphal impf 3ms · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb (negative covenant clause)→ Yiqtol: modal — never shall all flesh be cut offכָּרַת (H3772) Niphal 'to be cut off'; destruction language; no more annihilation.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject quantifier
בָּשָׂ֛רfleshN m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Subject (all flesh)בָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'; all living creatures; the scope matches the flood's victims.
ע֖וֹדagainadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal adverb (never again)עוֹד (H5750) 'again, still'; with לֹא = never again.
מִמֵּ֣יby the watersprep מִן + N m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Instrumental prepositional phraseמַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; the flood waters as instrument of former destruction.
הַמַּבּ֑וּלthe floodart + N m sg abs · מַבּוּל (H3999)Genitival (waters of the flood)מַבּוּל (H3999) 'flood'; the great deluge — the event never to recur.
וְלֹֽאand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Second negative conjunction
יִהְיֶ֥הshall there beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (second guarantee)→ Yiqtol: modal — no future flood shall occurהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; negated: no flood shall ever happen again.
ע֛וֹדagainadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal adverb (never again)
מַבּ֖וּלa floodN m sg abs · מַבּוּל (H3999)Subject of יִהְיֶהמַבּוּל (H3999) 'flood'; the specific catastrophe pledged against by this covenant.
לְשַׁחֵ֥תto destroyprep לְ + Piel inf constr · שָׁחַת (H7843)Infinitive of purpose→ Infinitive construct: purpose — to destroyשָׁחַת (H7843) Piel 'to destroy, corrupt'; the catastrophic purpose now ruled out forever.
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of לְשַׁחֵתאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth'; the whole earth is permanently protected by this covenant.
12

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים זֹ֤את אֽוֹת הַבְּרִית֙ אֲשֶׁר אֲנִ֣י נֹתֵ֗ן בֵּינִי֙ וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם וּבֵ֛ין כָּל נֶ֥פֶשׁ חַיָּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתְּכֶ֑ם לְדֹרֹ֖ת עוֹלָֽם

And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant that I am giving between me and you and between every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:'

Introduction of the covenant sign that will embody the promiseוַיֹּאמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the naming of the covenant sign.
אֱלֹהִ֗יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject
זֹ֤אתthisdemonstrative pronoun f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Subject (predicate nominative)זֹאת (H2063) 'this'; demonstrative pointing to the bow as the covenant sign.
אֽוֹתsign ofN (c) sg constr · אוֹת (H226)Predicate noun (construct head)אוֹת (H226) 'sign, token'; the visible emblem of the covenant commitment.
הַבְּרִית֙the covenantart + N f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitival (sign of the covenant)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the formal bond embodied by the bow.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducer
אֲנִ֣יIpersonal pronoun 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of relative clauseאֲנִי (H589) '(I)'; emphatic; God is the subject giving the sign.
נֹתֵ֗ןam givingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Participial predicate (ongoing action)→ Participle: present/ongoing — I am giving right nowנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the giving of the sign is a present covenant act.
בֵּינִי֙between meprep בֵּין + 1cs suff · בֵּין (H996)First member of covenant relationבֵּין (H996) 'between'; marks the relational structure of the covenant parties.
וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔םand between youconj וּ + prep בֵּין + 2mp suff · בֵּין (H996)Second member of covenant relation
וּבֵ֛יןand betweenconj וּ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Third relational conjunction + prep
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier
נֶ֥פֶשׁliving creatureN (c) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Third covenant partyנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'living being'; every creature is included in the covenant sign.
חַיָּ֖הlivingadj f sg abs · חַי (H2416)Attributive adjectiveחַי (H2416) 'living'; qualifies נֶפֶשׁ — only living creatures are in view.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducer
אִתְּכֶ֑םwith youprep אֵת + 2mp suff · אֵת (H854)Relative clause predicate phrase
לְדֹרֹ֖תfor generationsprep לְ + N m pl constr · דּוֹר (H1755)Temporal prepositional phraseדּוֹר (H1755) 'generation'; the covenant sign is valid for all future generations.
עוֹלָֽםforeverN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitival (of eternity)עוֹלָם (H5769) 'eternity, perpetuity'; the covenant and its sign are without end.
13

אֶת קַשְׁתִּ֕י נָתַ֖תִּי בֶּֽעָנָ֑ן וְהָֽיְתָה֙ לְא֣וֹת בְּרִ֔ית בֵּינִ֖י וּבֵ֥ין הָאָֽרֶץ

I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

Covenant sign established: God designates a visible token that embodies his pledged bond with the earthI have set
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (fronted)
קַשְׁתִּ֕יmy bowN f sg constr + 1cs suff · קֶשֶׁת (H7198)Direct object (fronted)קֶשֶׁת (H7198) 'bow'; a warrior's weapon repurposed as a cosmic sign of peace.
נָתַ֖תִּיI have setQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb main clause→ Perfective: completed placement of the bow in the cloudנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, place, set'; God sets his bow as the covenant sign.
בֶּֽעָנָ֑ןin the cloudprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Locative prepositional phraseעָנָן (H6051) 'cloud'; the clouds formerly associated with the flood now bear the sign of mercy.
וְהָֽיְתָה֙and it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal of sequential promise→ Weqatal: consequential future — it shall serve asהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, serve as'; the bow takes on covenant-sign function.
לְא֣וֹתas a sign ofprep לְ + N (c) sg constr · אוֹת (H226)Predicate complement (purpose)אוֹת (H226) 'sign, token'; visible emblem of the binding covenant commitment.
בְּרִ֔יתcovenantN f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitival (sign of covenant)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the treaty the bow symbolizes and activates.
בֵּינִ֖יbetween meprep בֵּין + 1cs suff · בֵּין (H996)First member of covenant relationבֵּין (H996) 'between'; relational preposition marking the covenant parties.
וּבֵ֥יןand betweenconj וּ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Coordinating conj + prep
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Second covenant partyאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth'; the whole earth is bound in this covenant with God.
14

וְהָיָ֕ה בְּעַֽנְנִ֥י עָנָ֖ן עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ וְנִרְאֲתָ֥ה הַקֶּ֖שֶׁת בֶּעָנָֽן

And when I bring clouds over the earth, the bow shall be seen in the cloud.

Conditional manifestation: the sign appears precisely in the setting associated with former judgmentand when
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְהָיָ֕הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal introducing temporal clause→ Weqatal: sequential conditional — and when it happensהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; introduces the conditional scenario.
בְּעַֽנְנִ֥יwhen I cloud overprep בְּ + Piel inf constr + 1cs suff · עָנַן (H6049)Temporal infinitive clauseעָנַן (H6049) Piel 'to bring clouds'; God brings the clouds — formerly threatening, now sign-bearing.
עָנָ֖ןcloudN m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Cognate accusative of עַנְּנִיעָנָן (H6051) 'cloud'; the cloud cover is the setting in which the sign appears.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Locative preposition
הָאָ֑רֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of עַלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth'; the earth over which the clouds gather.
וְנִרְאֲתָ֥הthe bow shall appearconj וְ + Niphal weqatal 3fs · רָאָה (H7200)Weqatal of apodosis→ Weqatal: consequential — the bow shall be seenרָאָה (H7200) Niphal 'to be seen, appear'; the bow becomes visible as divine pledge.
הַקֶּ֖שֶׁתthe bowart + N f sg abs · קֶשֶׁת (H7198)Subject of וְנִרְאֲתָהקֶשֶׁת (H7198) 'bow'; appears precisely in the storm-clouds once associated with judgment.
בֶּעָנָֽןin the cloudprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Locative prepositional phraseעָנָן (H6051) 'cloud'; the bow seen in the very medium that once threatened destruction.
15

וְזָכַרְתִּ֣י אֶת בְּרִיתִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֤ר בֵּינִי֙ וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם וּבֵ֛ין כָּל נֶ֥פֶשׁ חַיָּ֖ה בְּכָל בָּשָׂ֑ר וְלֹֽא יִֽהְיֶ֨ה ע֤וֹד הַמַּ֨יִם֙ לְמַבּ֔וּל לְשַׁחֵ֖ת כָּל בָּשָֽׂר

Then I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature among all flesh, and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.

Covenant recollection: the visible sign cues God's pledged restraint against another world-destroying floodthen I will remember
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וְזָכַרְתִּ֣יI will rememberconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cs · זָכַר (H2142)Weqatal of divine pledge→ Weqatal: sequential promise — I will rememberזָכַר (H2142) 'to remember'; divine remembering is effective covenant regard, not merely recall.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בְּרִיתִ֗יmy covenantN f sg constr + 1cs suff · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct objectבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the commitment God will actively maintain when he sees the bow.
אֲשֶׁ֤רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducer
בֵּינִי֙between meprep בֵּין + 1cs suff · בֵּין (H996)First member of covenant relation
וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔םand between youconj וּ + prep בֵּין + 2mp suff · בֵּין (H996)Second covenant party
וּבֵ֛יןand betweenconj וּ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Coordinating conj + prep
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier
נֶ֥פֶשׁliving creatureN (c) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Third covenant partyנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'living being'; the covenant extends beyond humanity to all living things.
חַיָּ֖הlivingadj f sg abs · חַי (H2416)Attributive adjectiveחַי (H2416) 'living'; qualifies every creature included in the covenant.
בְּכָלin allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (extent)
בָּשָׂ֑רfleshN m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Object of בְּכָלבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'; all embodied creatures are encompassed.
וְלֹֽאand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative conjunction
יִֽהְיֶ֨הshall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (negative guarantee)→ Yiqtol: modal — the waters shall never be a floodהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; negated: the waters shall never again become a flood.
ע֤וֹדagainadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal adverb (never again)עוֹד (H5750) 'again, still'; with לֹא = never again.
הַמַּ֨יִם֙the watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of יִהְיֶהמַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; the flood waters now pledged never to destroy again.
לְמַבּ֔וּלas a floodprep לְ + N m sg abs · מַבּוּל (H3999)Predicate complementמַבּוּל (H3999) 'flood'; the specific catastrophe guaranteed against by God's covenant.
לְשַׁחֵ֖תto destroyprep לְ + Piel inf constr · שָׁחַת (H7843)Infinitive of purpose→ Infinitive construct: purpose — to destroyשָׁחַת (H7843) Piel 'to destroy, corrupt'; the destructive purpose is now eternally foreclosed.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier
בָּשָֽׂרfleshN m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Object of לְשַׁחֵתבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'; all living beings are protected under the covenant.
16

וְהָיְתָ֥ה הַקֶּ֖שֶׁת בֶּֽעָנָ֑ן וּרְאִיתִ֗יהָ לִזְכֹּר֙ בְּרִ֣ית עוֹלָ֔ם בֵּ֣ין אֱלֹהִ֔ים וּבֵין֙ כָּל נֶ֣פֶשׁ חַיָּ֔ה בְּכָל בָּשָׂ֖ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַל הָאָֽרֶץ

And the bow shall be in the cloud, and I will see it to remember an everlasting covenant between God and every living creature among all flesh that is on the earth.

elaborationand
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְהָיְתָ֥הand shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal of future narrative→ Weqatal: sequential future — the bow shall be presentהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; marks the ongoing presence of the bow in the cloud.
הַקֶּ֖שֶׁתthe bowart + N f sg abs · קֶשֶׁת (H7198)Subject of וְהָיְתָהקֶשֶׁת (H7198) 'bow'; the covenant sign permanently stationed in the clouds.
בֶּֽעָנָ֑ןin the cloudprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Locative prepositional phraseעָנָן (H6051) 'cloud'; the bow remains in the cloud as ongoing covenant token.
וּרְאִיתִ֗יהָand I will see itconj וּ + Qal weqatal 1cs + 3fs suff · רָאָה (H7200)Weqatal of divine covenant act→ Weqatal: consequential — I will see it (to remember)רָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; God's seeing the bow is an effective covenantal act of remembrance.
לִזְכֹּר֙to rememberprep לְ + Qal inf constr · זָכַר (H2142)Infinitive of purpose→ Infinitive construct: purpose — to actively rememberזָכַר (H2142) 'to remember'; the seeing triggers active covenant faithfulness.
בְּרִ֣יתcovenant ofN f sg constr · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct object of לִזְכֹּרבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the bond remembered and maintained by God.
עוֹלָ֔םforeverN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitival (everlasting covenant)עוֹלָם (H5769) 'eternity, perpetuity'; the covenant has no end — it is an eternal bond.
בֵּ֣יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Relational prepositionבֵּין (H996) 'between'; marks the relational structure of the eternal covenant.
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)First party of covenantאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; here named directly as one party, marking absolute divine commitment.
וּבֵין֙and betweenconj וּ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Coordinating conj + prep
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier
נֶ֣פֶשׁliving beingN (c) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Second covenant partyנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'living being'; all creaturely life is encompassed in the everlasting covenant.
חַיָּ֔הlivingadj f sg abs · חַי (H2416)Attributive adjective
בְּכָלin allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (extent)
בָּשָׂ֖רfleshN m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Object of בְּכָלבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'; the covenant encompasses all embodied creatures on earth.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducer
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative preposition
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative object (on the earth)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth'; the geographic scope of creatures under covenant protection.
17

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל נֹ֑חַ זֹ֤את אֽוֹת הַבְּרִית֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֲקִמֹ֔תִי בֵּינִ֕י וּבֵ֥ין כָּל בָּשָׂ֖ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַל הָאָֽרֶץ

And God said to Noah, 'This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.'

summary reaffirmationand
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the summarizing divine declaration.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition
נֹ֑חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Indirect object (addressee)נֹחַ (H5146) 'Noah'; the address personalizes the summary declaration.
זֹ֤אתthisdemonstrative pronoun f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Subject (predicate nominative)זֹאת (H2063) 'this'; pointing back to the bow as the sign just described.
אֽוֹתsign ofN (c) sg constr · אוֹת (H226)Predicate noun (construct head)אוֹת (H226) 'sign, token'; the bow as visible covenant emblem.
הַבְּרִית֙the covenantart + N f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitival (sign of the covenant)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the binding commitment the bow signifies.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducer
הֲקִמֹ֔תִיI establishedHiphil perf 1cs · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: completed divine act of ratificationקוּם (H6965) Hiphil 'to establish, ratify'; the covenant is already established — declared complete.
בֵּינִ֕יbetween meprep בֵּין + 1cs suff · בֵּין (H996)First party of covenant
וּבֵ֥יןand betweenconj וּ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Coordinating conj + prep
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier
בָּשָׂ֖רfleshN m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Second covenant partyבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'; all living beings — the scope is maximally comprehensive.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducer
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative preposition
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative object (on the earth)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth'; the whole earth and all its creatures are covered by the covenant.
18

וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ בְנֵי נֹ֗חַ הַיֹּֽצְאִים֙ מִן הַתֵּבָ֔ה שֵׁ֖ם וְחָ֣ם וָיָ֑פֶת וְחָ֕ם ה֖וּא אֲבִ֥י כְנָֽעַן

And the sons of Noah who came out from the ark were Shem and Ham and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan.

narrative resumptionand
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּand they wereQal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (narrative resumption)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; narrative resumption after the covenant section.
בְנֵיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the three sons who will populate the earth.
נֹ֗חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Genitival (Noah's sons)נֹחַ (H5146) 'Noah'; the patriarch from whom all nations descend.
הַיֹּֽצְאִים֙who came outart + Qal ptc m pl abs · יָצָא (H3318)Attributive participial clause→ Participle: attributive — those who came out of the arkיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the ark-exodus defines this generation as the saved remnant.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Separative preposition
הַתֵּבָ֔הthe arkart + N f sg abs · תֵּבָה (H8392)Object of מִןתֵּבָה (H8392) 'ark, vessel'; the salvation vessel from which humanity restarts.
שֵׁ֖םShemproper noun · שֵׁם (H8035)Predicate nominative (first son)שֵׁם (H8035) 'Shem'; ancestor of the Semitic peoples.
וְחָ֣םand Hamconj וְ + proper noun · חָם (H2526)Predicate nominative (second son)חָם (H2526) 'Ham'; ancestor of Canaan and the African/Egyptian peoples.
וָיָ֑פֶתand Japhethconj וָ + proper noun · יֶפֶת (H3315)Predicate nominative (third son)יֶפֶת (H3315) 'Japheth'; ancestor of the Aegean and northern peoples.
וְחָ֕םand Hamconj וְ + proper noun · חָם (H2526)Subject of appositional clauseחָם (H2526) 'Ham'; singled out for the note about Canaan.
ה֖וּאhepersonal pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject (identifying pronoun)הוּא (H1931) 'he/that one'; identifies Ham as the subject of the appositional note.
אֲבִ֥יfather ofN m sg constr · אָב (H1)Predicate noun (construct head)אָב (H1) 'father'; anticipatory note — Ham is Canaan's father, explaining ch.9's curse.
כְנָֽעַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Genitival (father of Canaan)כְּנַעַן (H3667) 'Canaan'; the nation later cursed by Noah and relevant to Israel's history.
19

שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה אֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵי נֹ֑חַ וּמֵאֵ֖לֶּה נָֽפְצָ֥ה כָל הָאָֽרֶץ

These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was spread abroad.

summary elaborationשְׁלֹשָׁה אֵלֶּה
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
שְׁלֹשָׁ֥הthreenumeral m sg abs · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Subject numeralשָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; the trio of sons from whom all peoples descend.
אֵ֖לֶּהthesedemonstrative pronoun c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Subject (demonstrative)אֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; points back to the three sons just named.
בְּנֵיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Predicate noun (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the three sons are the only source of post-flood humanity.
נֹ֑חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Genitival (sons of Noah)
וּמֵאֵ֖לֶּהand from theseconj וּ + prep מִן + demonstrative pronoun · אֵלֶּה (H428)Source prepositional phrase (fronted)אֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; the three sons as the fountainhead of the nations.
נָֽפְצָ֥הwas spread abroadQal perf 3fs · נָפַץ (H5310)Predicate verb main clause→ Perfective: completed dispersion — declared as accomplishedנָפַץ (H5310) 'to scatter, spread abroad'; the whole earth was populated from Noah's sons.
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject quantifier
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject (all the earth)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth'; the entire inhabited world peopled from Noah's three sons.
20

וַיָּ֥חֶל נֹ֖חַ אִ֣ישׁ הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה וַיִּטַּ֖ע כָּֽרֶם

And Noah, a man of the ground, began and planted a vineyard.

narrative progressionand
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַיָּ֥חֶלand he beganHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · חָלַל (H2490)Predicate verb (narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָלַל (H2490) Hiphil 'to begin'; Noah initiates a new agricultural enterprise after the flood.
נֹ֖חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Subjectנֹחַ (H5146) 'Noah'; the same covenant patriarch is now a farmer and vinedresser.
אִ֣ישׁman ofN m sg constr · אִישׁ (H376)Appositional construct (characterizing Noah)אִישׁ (H376) 'man, person'; construct form designating Noah's occupation.
הָֽאֲדָמָ֑הthe groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Genitival (man of the ground)אֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, soil'; Noah is a man of the earth, a farmer.
וַיִּטַּ֖עand plantedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָטַע (H5193)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָטַע (H5193) 'to plant'; Noah plants the first vineyard in the post-flood world.
כָּֽרֶםa vineyardN (c) sg abs · כֶּרֶם (H3754)Direct objectכֶּרֶם (H3754) 'vineyard'; the vineyard sets the stage for the intoxication episode.
21

וַיֵּ֥שְׁתְּ מִן הַיַּ֖יִן וַיִּשְׁכָּ֑ר וַיִּתְגַּ֖ל בְּת֥וֹךְ אָהֳלֹֽה

And he drank from the wine and became drunk, and he uncovered himself within his tent.

narrative progressionand
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיֵּ֥שְׁתְּand he drankQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁתָה (H8354)Predicate verb (narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; Noah drinks from his vineyard's produce.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Partitive prepositionמִן (H4480) 'from'; partitive — he drinks some of the wine.
הַיַּ֖יִןthe wineart + N m sg abs · יַיִן (H3196)Object of מִןיַיִן (H3196) 'wine'; the wine from his own vineyard leads to intoxication.
וַיִּשְׁכָּ֑רand became drunkQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁכַר (H7937)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁכַר (H7937) 'to become drunk, intoxicated'; Noah's drunkenness sets the scene.
וַיִּתְגַּ֖לand uncovered himselfHitpael wayyiqtol 3ms · גָּלָה (H1540)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceגָּלָה (H1540) Hitpael 'to uncover oneself'; the reflexive form emphasizes Noah's exposed state.
בְּת֥וֹךְwithinprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תּוֹךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phraseתּוֹךְ (H8432) 'midst, interior'; inside the tent — a private space violated by Ham.
אָהֳלֹֽהhis tentN m sg constr + 3ms suff · אֹהֶל (H168)Object of בְּתוֹךְאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; Noah's private dwelling, the space of the moral episode.
22

וַיַּ֗רְא חָ֚ם אֲבִ֣י כְנַ֔עַן אֵ֖ת עֶרְוַ֣ת אָבִ֑יו וַיַּגֵּ֥ד לִשְׁנֵֽי אֶחָ֖יו בַּחֽוּץ

And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside.

narrative progressionand
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיַּ֗רְאand sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Ham's act of seeing is the crux of the episode.
חָ֚םHamproper noun · חָם (H2526)Subjectחָם (H2526) 'Ham'; the son whose conduct is the moral pivot of vv.20-27.
אֲבִ֣יfather ofN m sg constr · אָב (H1)Appositional (identifying Ham)אָב (H1) 'father'; identifies Ham as Canaan's progenitor, foreshadowing the curse.
כְנַ֔עַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Genitival (father of Canaan)כְּנַעַן (H3667) 'Canaan'; the nation cursed — not Ham himself — in the aftermath.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עֶרְוַ֣תnakedness ofN f sg constr · עֶרְוָה (H6172)Direct object (construct head)עֶרְוָה (H6172) 'nakedness, shame'; the father's exposed state Ham saw and publicized.
אָבִ֑יוhis fatherN m sg constr + 3ms suff · אָב (H1)Genitival (father's nakedness)אָב (H1) 'father'; the father-son relationship makes Ham's act a violation of filial honor.
וַיַּגֵּ֥דand toldHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָגַד (H5046)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָגַד (H5046) Hiphil 'to tell, report'; Ham publicizes his father's shame rather than covering it.
לִשְׁנֵֽיto two ofprep לְ + numeral m dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Indirect objectשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; the two brothers — the recipients of Ham's report.
אֶחָ֖יוhis brothersN m pl constr + 3ms suff · אָח (H251)Genitival (his brothers)אָח (H251) 'brother'; Shem and Japheth, who respond with filial discretion.
בַּחֽוּץoutsideprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · חוּץ (H2351)Locative adverbial phraseחוּץ (H2351) 'outside'; the public space contrasted with the private tent of Noah.
23

וַיִּקַּח֩ שֵׁ֨ם וָיֶ֜פֶת אֶת הַשִּׂמְלָ֗ה וַיָּשִׂ֨ימוּ֙ עַל שְׁכֶ֣ם שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙ אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית וַיְכַסּ֕וּ אֵ֖ת עֶרְוַ֣ת אֲבִיהֶ֑ם וּפְנֵיהֶם֙ אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית וְעֶרְוַ֥ת אֲבִיהֶ֖ם לֹ֥א רָאֽוּ

Then Shem and Japheth took the garment and placed it upon the shoulder of both of them, and they walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, so that they did not see their father's nakedness.

contrastive responsethen
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיִּקַּח֩and tookQal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Shem and Japheth take decisive action to cover the shame.
שֵׁ֨םShemproper noun · שֵׁם (H8035)Subject (first)שֵׁם (H8035) 'Shem'; named first, father of the Semitic peoples.
וָיֶ֜פֶתand Japhethconj וָ + proper noun · יֶפֶת (H3315)Subject (second)יֶפֶת (H3315) 'Japheth'; joins Shem in the act of filial honor.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַשִּׂמְלָ֗הthe garmentart + N f sg abs · שִׂמְלָה (H8071)Direct objectשִׂמְלָה (H8071) 'garment, cloak'; used deliberately to cover their father's exposure.
וַיָּשִׂ֨ימוּ֙and placedQal wayyiqtol 3mp · שִׂים (H7760)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place, set'; deliberate placement of the garment.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative preposition
שְׁכֶ֣םthe shoulder ofN m sg constr · שְׁכֶם (H7926)Object of עַל (construct)שְׁכֶם (H7926) 'shoulder, back'; carried on both their shoulders to cover Noah.
שְׁנֵיהֶ֔םboth of themnumeral m dual constr + 3mp suff · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Genitival (both their shoulders)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; both Shem and Japheth carried the garment together.
וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙and they walkedQal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַךְ (H3212) 'to walk, go'; they deliberately walked backward into the tent.
אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔יתbackwardadverb · אֲחֹרַנִּית (H322)Directional adverbאֲחֹרַנִּית (H322) 'backward, rearward'; they entered backward to avoid seeing their father's nakedness.
וַיְכַסּ֕וּand coveredPiel wayyiqtol 3mp · כָּסָה (H3680)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceכָּסָה (H3680) Piel 'to cover'; the Piel intensifies — they thoroughly covered the exposure.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עֶרְוַ֣תnakedness ofN f sg constr · עֶרְוָה (H6172)Direct object (construct head)עֶרְוָה (H6172) 'nakedness, shame'; the same shame Ham saw is now covered with honor.
אֲבִיהֶ֑םtheir fatherN m sg constr + 3mp suff · אָב (H1)Genitival (father's nakedness)אָב (H1) 'father'; filial honor is restored by covering what Ham publicized.
וּפְנֵיהֶם֙and their facesconj וּ + N (c) pl constr + 3mp suff · פָּנֶה (H6440)Subject of circumstantial clauseפָּנֶה (H6440) 'face'; their faces turned away confirms the intent was modesty, not sight.
אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔יתbackwardadverb · אֲחֹרַנִּית (H322)Directional adverbאֲחֹרַנִּית (H322) 'backward'; repeated for emphasis — they were deliberately turned away.
וְעֶרְוַ֥תand nakedness ofconj וְ + N f sg constr · עֶרְוָה (H6172)Subject of negative clauseעֶרְוָה (H6172) 'nakedness'; the object of avoidance is named a third time.
אֲבִיהֶ֖םtheir fatherN m sg constr + 3mp suff · אָב (H1)Genitival (father's nakedness)
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle
רָאֽוּthey sawQal perf 3cp · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (negative conclusion)→ Perfective: completed negative act — they did not seeרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; explicitly negated — the brothers' honor is in not seeing.
24

וַיִּ֥יקֶץ נֹ֖חַ מִיֵּינ֑וֹ וַיֵּ֕דַע אֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר עָ֥שָׂה ל֖וֹ בְּנ֥וֹ הַקָּטָֽן

And Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him.

Narrative turn from drunken exposure to awakened recognitionוַיִּיקֶץ
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיִּ֥יקֶץand awokeQal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָקַץ (H3364)Predicate verb (narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָקַץ (H3364) 'to awake'; Noah's awakening initiates the judicial speech.
נֹ֖חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Subject
מִיֵּינ֑וֹfrom his wineprep מִן + N m sg constr + 3ms suff · יַיִן (H3196)Separative prepositional phraseיַיִן (H3196) 'wine'; Noah sobers from the wine that precipitated the episode.
וַיֵּ֕דַעand knewQal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָדַע (H3045)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; Noah learns what happened — presumably through being told.
אֵ֛ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אֲשֶׁרwhatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducer (what)
עָ֥שָׂהhad doneQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: completed act of the youngest sonעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, act'; the unnamed act that provokes Noah's oracle.
ל֖וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffIndirect object (to Noah)
בְּנ֥וֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suff · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of relative clauseבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; identified as 'his son' — Ham is named only obliquely.
הַקָּטָֽןthe youngestart + adj m sg abs · קָטָן (H6996)Attributive adjectiveקָטָן (H6996) 'small, youngest'; Ham is the youngest son, confirming his identification.
25

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אָר֣וּר כְּנָ֑עַן עֶ֥בֶד עֲבָדִ֖ים יִֽהְיֶ֥ה לְאֶחָֽיו

And he said, 'Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.'

Judicial pronouncement of curseוַיֹּאמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Noah's oracle of curse and blessing.
אָר֣וּרcursed beQal passive ptc m sg abs · אָרַר (H779)Predicate participle (curse formula)→ Participle: performative — the curse is enacted by this wordאָרַר (H779) 'to curse'; Qal passive ptc used as a performative oracle of cursing.
כְּנָ֑עַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Subject of curse formulaכְּנַעַן (H3667) 'Canaan'; the curse falls not on Ham but on his son Canaan.
עֶ֥בֶדservant ofN m sg constr · עֶבֶד (H5650)Predicate noun (construct head)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; Canaan is sentenced to the lowest social position.
עֲבָדִ֖יםservantsN m pl abs · עֶבֶד (H5650)Genitival (servant of servants)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; superlative construct — the most abased servitude possible.
יִֽהְיֶ֥הshall he beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (oracle)→ Yiqtol: modal — future oracle of servitudeהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the oracle projects Canaan's future condition.
לְאֶחָֽיוto his brothersprep לְ + N m pl constr + 3ms suff · אָח (H251)Benefactive phrase (servant to brothers)אָח (H251) 'brother'; Canaan will serve his uncles Shem and Japheth.
26

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר בָּר֥וּךְ יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹ֣הֵי שֵׁ֑ם וִיהִ֥י כְנַ֖עַן עֶ֥בֶד לָֽמוֹ

And he said, 'Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Shem, and let Canaan be a servant to him.'

Blessing upon Shem framed through blessing Yahwehוַיֹּאמֶר
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיֹּ֕אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; continues Noah's oracular speech with the blessing of Shem.
בָּר֥וּךְblessed beQal passive ptc m sg abs · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate participle (blessing formula)→ Participle: performative — the blessing is enactedבָּרַךְ (H1288) Qal passive ptc 'blessed'; performative oracle; the blessing is in the declaration.
יְהֹוָ֖הYahwehproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of blessing formulaיְהוָה (H3068) 'Yahweh'; the divine name used here for the only time in ch.9; Shem's God.
אֱלֹ֣הֵיGod ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Appositional (construct head)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; Yahweh identified as specifically Shem's God — covenant particularity.
שֵׁ֑םShemproper noun · שֵׁם (H8035)Genitival (God of Shem)שֵׁם (H8035) 'Shem'; Yahweh is Shem's covenant God — pointing toward Israel's Semitic line.
וִיהִ֥יand let beconj וִ + Qal jussive 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Jussive of wish (oracle)→ Volitional jussive: future oracle of servitude for Canaanהָיָה (H1961) Qal jussive 'let him be'; volitional mood expressing Noah's oracle.
כְנַ֖עַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Subject of jussive clauseכְּנַעַן (H3667) 'Canaan'; the curse of servitude is renewed within the blessing.
עֶ֥בֶדa servantN m sg abs · עֶבֶד (H5650)Predicate nounעֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; Canaan's servitude to Shem's descendants.
לָֽמוֹto himprep לְ + 3mp suff · לְIndirect object (to Shem)לָמוֹ archaic 3mp/ms suff; refers to Shem — Canaan shall serve under Shem's descendants.
27

יַ֤פְתְּ אֱלֹהִים֙ לְיֶ֔פֶת וְיִשְׁכֹּ֖ן בְּאָֽהֳלֵי שֵׁ֑ם וִיהִ֥י כְנַ֖עַן עֶ֥בֶד לָֽמוֹ

May God enlarge Japheth, and may he dwell in the tents of Shem, and let Canaan be a servant to him.

Blessing upon Japheth with relation to Shem and renewed subordination of Canaanיַפְתְּ
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
יַ֤פְתְּmay he enlargeHiphil jussive 3ms · פָּתָה (H6601)Jussive predicate (oracle of expansion)→ Volitional jussive: oracle of territorial/numerical enlargementפָּתָה (H6601) Hiphil 'to enlarge, open wide'; wordplay on Japheth's name — Japheth shall expand.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of jussiveאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; God is the agent who will enlarge Japheth.
לְיֶ֔פֶתfor Japhethprep לְ + proper noun · יֶפֶת (H3315)Benefactive prepositional phraseיֶפֶת (H3315) 'Japheth'; recipient of the enlargement blessing; his name echoes the root פָּתָה.
וְיִשְׁכֹּ֖ןand may he dwellconj וְ + Qal jussive 3ms · שָׁכַן (H7931)Coordinated jussive (second oracle)→ Volitional jussive: oracle of dwelling in Shem's tentsשָׁכַן (H7931) 'to dwell, settle, abide'; Japheth will inhabit Shem's blessing-sphere.
בְּאָֽהֳלֵיin the tents ofprep בְּ + N m pl constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Locative prepositional phraseאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; the tents of Shem represent his covenant sphere and blessing.
שֵׁ֑םShemproper noun · שֵׁם (H8035)Genitival (tents of Shem)שֵׁם (H8035) 'Shem'; Japheth's enlargement is tied to dwelling within Shem's covenant.
וִיהִ֥יand let beconj וִ + Qal jussive 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Third jussive oracle (renewed curse)→ Volitional jussive: curse of Canaan renewedהָיָה (H1961) Qal jussive 'let him be'; the curse on Canaan is reiterated.
כְנַ֖עַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Subject of jussive clauseכְּנַעַן (H3667) 'Canaan'; the curse is stated a second time for emphasis.
עֶ֥בֶדa servantN m sg abs · עֶבֶד (H5650)Predicate nounעֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; Canaan's servitude is affirmed in all three of Noah's oracles.
לָֽמוֹto himprep לְ + 3mp suff · לְIndirect object (to them)לָמוֹ archaic suff; refers to Shem/Japheth — Canaan serves both blessed sons.
28

וַֽיְחִי נֹ֖חַ אַחַ֣ר הַמַּבּ֑וּל שְׁלֹ֤שׁ מֵאוֹת֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֖ים שָׁנָֽה

And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years.

Narrative coda: post-flood lifespan summaryוַיְחִי
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַֽיְחִיand livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate verb (genealogical formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live, remain alive'; the standard patriarchal lifespan formula.
נֹ֖חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Subjectנֹחַ (H5146) 'Noah'; the patriarch whose post-flood years are now recorded.
אַחַ֣רafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositionאַחַר (H310) 'after'; marks the temporal scope of Noah's remaining years.
הַמַּבּ֑וּלthe floodart + N m sg abs · מַבּוּל (H3999)Object of אַחַר (after the flood)מַבּוּל (H3999) 'flood'; the defining event from which post-flood time is measured.
שְׁלֹ֤שׁthreenumeral f sg abs · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral (three hundred)שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; first member of the compound number.
מֵאוֹת֙hundrednumeral (c) pl abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral (hundreds)מֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; three hundred years of post-flood life.
שָׁנָ֔הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun (accusative)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; the standard unit of patriarchal life measurement.
וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֖יםand fiftyconj וַ + numeral (c) pl abs · חֲמִשִּׁים (H2572)Coordinated numeralחֲמִשִּׁים (H2572) 'fifty'; second member — total is three hundred fifty years.
שָׁנָֽהyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun (accusative)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; completes the post-flood lifespan datum.
29

וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל יְמֵי נֹ֔חַ תְּשַׁ֤ע מֵאוֹת֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וַחֲמִשִּׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּמֹֽת

And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years, and he died.

Genealogical closure formulaוַיִּהְיוּ
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙and wereQal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (genealogical formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; introduces the total-lifespan formula closing the patriarch entry.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject quantifier
יְמֵיdays ofN m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Construct head (all the days of)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; idiomatic for total lifespan.
נֹ֔חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Genitival (Noah's days)
תְּשַׁ֤עninenumeral f sg abs · תֵּשַׁע (H8672)Numeral (nine hundred)תֵּשַׁע (H8672) 'nine'; first member of the compound total lifespan.
מֵאוֹת֙hundrednumeral (c) pl abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral (hundreds)
שָׁנָ֔הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun (accusative)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; unit of patriarchal lifespan measurement.
וַחֲמִשִּׁ֖יםand fiftyconj וַ + numeral (c) pl abs · חֲמִשִּׁים (H2572)Coordinated numeralחֲמִשִּׁים (H2572) 'fifty'; total = 950 years, making Noah the third longest-lived patriarch.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun (accusative)
וַיָּמֹֽתand he diedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (closure formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — death noticeמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the standard patriarchal death notice closing the Noah entry.