The Syntax of Divine Blessing and the Imperative Structure in Genesis 9:1

Introduction to Genesis 9:1

Genesis 9:1 marks a new beginning for humanity following the flood, as God blesses Noah and his sons and commands them to be fruitful and multiply. This verse echoes the blessing given to Adam in Genesis 1:28, emphasizing humanity’s role in repopulating the earth.

The passage consists of:

1. A divine blessing (וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶת־נֹ֖חַ וְאֶת־בָּנָ֑יו, “And God blessed Noah and his sons”).
2. A direct command using imperatives (פְּר֥וּ וּרְב֖וּ וּמִלְא֥וּ אֶת־הָאָֽרֶץ, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth”).

This study will analyze the grammatical function of the imperative verbs, the theological implications of divine blessing, and the role of Noah as a new Adamic figure.

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

Analysis of Key Words/Phrases

1. וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אֱלֹהִ֔ים (vayevarekh Elohim)
   • Root: בָּרַךְ (“to bless”)
   • Form: Piel imperfect 3rd masculine singular with vav-consecutive
   • Translation: “And God blessed”
   • Function: Expresses divine favor and empowerment for Noah and his sons.
2. אֶת־נֹ֖חַ וְאֶת־בָּנָ֑יו (et-Noaḥ ve’et-banav)
   • Root: בֵּן (“son”)
   • Form: Direct object marker אֶת־ + proper noun
   • Translation: “Noah and his sons”
   • Function: Specifies the recipients of the divine blessing.
3. וַיֹּ֧אמֶר לָהֶ֛ם (vayomer lahem)
   • Root: אָמַר (“to say”)
   • Form: Qal imperfect 3rd masculine singular with vav-consecutive
   • Translation: “And He said to them”
   • Function: Introduces the divine command.
4. פְּר֥וּ וּרְב֖וּ וּמִלְא֥וּ אֶת־הָאָֽרֶץ (peru urvu umil’u et-ha’aretz)
   • Root: פָּרָה (“to be fruitful”), רָבָה (“to multiply”), מָלֵא (“to fill”)
   • Form: Qal imperative 2nd masculine plural
   • Translation: “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth”
   • Function: Divine mandate to repopulate the earth, echoing Genesis 1:28.

Explanation of Grammatical Function

The Piel Verb וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ (“He Blessed”) as Divine Empowerment

Piel stem intensifies the action, indicating a strong bestowal of divine favor.

God’s blessing is linked to fertility and dominion, as seen in previous biblical blessings (Genesis 1:28, 12:2).

The Use of Qal Imperatives in the Command to Multiply

פְּר֥וּ (“Be fruitful”) and רְב֖וּ (“Multiply”) → Express direct divine commands.

וּמִלְא֥וּ (“Fill the earth”) → Completes the command by specifying the extent of multiplication.

The Direct Object Marker אֶת (“With”) Emphasizing Recipients

אֶת־נֹ֖חַ וְאֶת־בָּנָ֑יו (“Noah and his sons”) → Clearly marks those who receive the blessing.

Theological Implications of Divine Blessing

1. A New Beginning for HumanityNoah serves as a second Adam, given the same command to be fruitful and multiply.
2. The Role of Divine Blessing in Human Flourishing God’s blessing is not just a command but an empowerment, enabling humans to fulfill their role.
3. Human Responsibility in CreationThe imperative “Fill the earth” implies stewardship over the created world.

The Role of Divine Mandate in Post-Flood Humanity

Genesis 9:1 demonstrates a structured formula of divine blessing, where God empowers Noah and his sons to repopulate the earth. The Piel verb וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ signifies divine favor, while the Qal imperatives direct human action.

Thus, this verse serves as both a renewal of God’s creation mandate and a theological foundation for human expansion under divine authority.