(The Lord speaking is red text)
These [are] the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.
These three were the sons of Noach, and the whole earth was populated by them.
These three were the sons of Noah, and from them the whole earth was populated.
These three were the sons of Noah: and of these was the whole earth overspread.
These are the three{H7969} sons{H1121} of Noah{H5146}: and of them was the whole earth{H776} overspread{H5310}.
Genesis 9:19 is a verse from the Bible that appears within the narrative of the Flood story, a tale that is shared among various ancient Near Eastern cultures but is presented in the Bible with unique theological significance. This verse specifically serves as a summary statement that concludes the account of the global flood and transitions into the next major section of the book of Genesis.
The historical context of Genesis 9:19 is rooted in the ancient Hebrew tradition, which scholars believe was compiled and edited during the period of the Israelite monarchy, though the events described are set in the primeval history of humanity. The verse serves to outline the genealogy of Noah's sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—who, along with their father, are depicted as the only human survivors of the divinely orchestrated flood. This catastrophic event was sent by God to cleanse the earth of rampant wickedness and corruption.
The themes present in this verse include the concepts of new beginnings, human diversity, and divine providence. It underscores the idea that all of humanity is descended from these three survivors, thereby emphasizing the unity of the human race. The overspreading of the whole earth by Noah's progeny sets the stage for the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, which details the ethnic and geographic diversification of humanity following the flood. This diversification is part of God's plan for humanity to fill the earth and govern it, a command first given in Genesis 1:28 and reiterated to Noah in Genesis 9:1.
In summary, Genesis 9:19 is a pivotal verse that encapsulates the conclusion of the flood narrative and the restart of human civilization through the lineage of Noah's three sons. It highlights themes of divine judgment, mercy, and the re-peopling of the earth, while also laying the groundwork for understanding the relationships and migrations that would shape the ancient world.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)