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NASB | Genesis 3:7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 3:7 Then the eyes of the two of them were opened [that is, their awareness increased], and they knew that they were naked; and they fastened fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. |
Bible Question:
Hebrew expert needed for Gen 3:7. I have Analytical Key to the Old Testament Vol 1 by John Joseph Owens, but I don't understand some of what it says. Next to "Then were opened" it says: consecutive -Niph'al imperfect 3 feminine plural What does it mean when it says "consecutive", What is "Niph'al" and what does the "3" mean? I'm trying to find out if Eve's eyes were opened first and then Adams or if both of their eyes were opened at the same time. Thanks for any help. Blessings, Pam |
Bible Answer: I have studied Hebrew and Greek but do not claim to be an expert. The vowel pointing added by the Masoretes guide one toward a particular parsing but it's not part of the original text. Without the vowel pointings an original reader would have had to rely on context to guide them in choosing from possible parsings. "Niph'al" means a simple passive. "3" means 3rd person (he, she, they) The imperfect shows imcomplete action whether in the past, present or future. The waw or vav is used to indicate "and". The waw consecutive almost makes an imperfect verb seem to have complete action like a perfect. The Essentials of Biblical Hebrew by Kyle M. Yates Revised edition by John Joseph Owens p. 103-104: The prefixed waw is sometimes pointed waw plus pathah plus dagesh forte and in this case bears the title "Waw Consecutive." The Waw consecutive may be prefixed to the imperfect form of the verb. It not only joins the imperfect to it precedent but also shows that the imperfect is a definite consecution of its precedent. The translation of the Waw Consecutive is "and, and then, and as a consequence, furthermore, and as a result." ... The serpent decieved me and as a result I proceeded to eat. |