King James Version

What Does Genesis 9:2 Mean?

Genesis 9:2 in the King James Version says “And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon al... — study this verse from Genesis chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.

Genesis 9:2 · KJV


Context

1

And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.

2

And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.

3

Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.

4

But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וּמוֹרַֽאֲכֶ֤ם1 of 20

And the fear of you

H4172

fear; by implication, a fearful thing or deed

וְחִתְּכֶם֙2 of 20

and the dread of you

H2844

concretely, crushed; also afraid; abstractly, terror

יִֽהְיֶ֔ה3 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עַ֚ל4 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל5 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חַיַּ֣ת6 of 20

shall be upon every beast

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

הָאָ֔רֶץ7 of 20

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְעַ֖ל8 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל9 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

ע֣וֹף10 of 20

and upon every fowl

H5775

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם11 of 20

of the air

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

בְּכֹל֩12 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר13 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תִּרְמֹ֧שׂ14 of 20

upon all that moveth

H7430

properly, to glide swiftly, i.e., to crawl or move with short steps; by analogy to swarm

הָֽאֲדָמָ֛ה15 of 20

upon the earth

H127

soil (from its general redness)

וּֽבְכָל16 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דְּגֵ֥י17 of 20

and upon all the fishes

H1709

a fish (often used collectively)

הַיָּ֖ם18 of 20

of the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

בְּיֶדְכֶ֥ם19 of 20

into your hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

נִתָּֽנוּ׃20 of 20

are they delivered

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 9:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 9:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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