Genesis 8:7

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.

Complete Jewish Bible:

and he sent out a raven, which flew back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth.

Berean Standard Bible:

and sent out a raven. It kept flying back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth.

American Standard Version:

and he sent forth a raven, and it went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And he sent forth^{H7971} a raven^{H6158}, which went forth^{H3318} to^{H3318} and fro^{H7725}, until the waters^{H4325} were dried up^{H3001} from off the earth^{H776}.

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Commentary for Genesis 8:7

**Themes:**
- **Divine Providence:** The narrative emphasizes God's oversight and involvement in the events following the Flood, including the release of birds to assess the earth's condition.
- **Patience and Perseverance:** Noah's actions reflect patience and trust in God's timing as he waits for the floodwaters to recede, symbolizing hope and endurance through trials.
- **Reconnaissance and Exploration:** The raven's release represents an exploratory mission to gather information about the state of the earth, indicating a methodical approach to ensuring it's safe to emerge from the ark.

**Historical Context:**
- **The Flood Story:** Genesis 8:7 is part of the account of the Great Flood, a widespread ancient motif found in various cultures. In the biblical context, it serves to purge the earth of wickedness and start anew with Noah's family.
- **Covenantal Relationship:** This event is a precursor to God's covenant with Noah, which includes the promise not to destroy the earth again with a flood.
- **Ancient Near Eastern Background:** The story reflects themes common in ancient Near Eastern literature, with the raven often associated with omens. Its release could be seen as a way to determine the divine will regarding the readiness of the earth for re-inhabitation.
- **Post-Diluvian World:** The verse marks a transition phase between the destruction of the old world and the re-establishment of human society on earth, with Noah playing a pivotal role in this new beginning.

In summary, Genesis 8:7 is situated within the broader narrative of the Flood, highlighting themes of divine oversight, human patience, and the careful assessment of the earth's habitability. It reflects the historical context of ancient Near Eastern flood accounts and sets the stage for the renewal of life on earth following the divine judgment of the flood.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7971
   There are 790 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁלַח
   Transliteration: shâlach
   Pronunciation: shaw-lakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications); [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out).
   
2. Strong's Number: H6158
   There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֹרֵב
   Transliteration: ʻôrêb
   Pronunciation: o-rabe'
   Description: or עוֹרֵב; from עָרַב; a raven (from its dusky hue); raven.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3318
   There are 992 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָצָא
   Transliteration: yâtsâʼ
   Pronunciation: yaw-tsaw'
   Description: a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.; [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter.
   
4. Strong's Number: H7725
   There are 952 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שׁוּב
   Transliteration: shûwb
   Pronunciation: shoob
   Description: a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again; ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw.
   
5. Strong's Number: H4325
   There are 525 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַיִם
   Transliteration: mayim
   Pronunciation: mah'-yim
   Description: dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen; [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)).
   
6. Strong's Number: H3001
   There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָבֵשׁ
   Transliteration: yâbêsh
   Pronunciation: yaw-bashe'
   Description: a primitive root; to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage); be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away).
   
7. Strong's Number: H776
   There are 2739 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶרֶץ
   Transliteration: ʼerets
   Pronunciation: eh'-rets
   Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world.