Have
Have denotes divine grant, human possession, and covenantal promise.
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The verb 'have' appears in the Genesis passages primarily in contexts of possession, divine grant, and relational or covenantal giving. It is used by God to grant dominion, food, and land to humans, and by individuals to describe personal relationships, property, or actions. The passages show 'have' as a term of authority, blessing, and consequence, often tied to God's sovereign acts or human responses.
- Total occurrences
- At least 20 instances across the passages
- First use
- Genesis 1:26 — 'let them have dominion'
- Divine grant
- Genesis 1:29, 9:3, 15:18 — God gives food and land
- Human possession
- Genesis 4:1, 4:20, 16:5 — having a child, cattle, or a maid
- Covenantal context
- Genesis 9:17, 15:18 — 'have I given' and 'have I made'
- Negative use
- Genesis 4:23 — 'I have slain a man'
Lore & Background
In the creation narrative, God uses 'have' to grant humanity dominion over creation (Genesis 1:26, 28) and to provide every herb and tree for food (Genesis 1:29). After the flood, God reiterates this grant, allowing every moving thing as meat (Genesis 9:3) and establishing a covenant with all flesh (Genesis 9:17). The verb also appears in God's promise to Abraham: 'Unto thy seed have I given this land' (Genesis 15:18) and in renaming him 'a father of many nations have I made thee' (Genesis 17:5). Human uses of 'have' include Eve's declaration after Cain's birth: 'I have gotten a man from the LORD' (Genesis 4:1), and Lamech's boast: 'I have slain a man to my wounding' (Genesis 4:23). Sarai uses it to express grievance: 'I have given my maid into thy bosom' (Genesis 16:5). Abraham uses it in a vow: 'I will not take any thing that is thine' (Genesis 14:23). The verb also appears in hospitality: 'if now I have found favour' (Genesis 18:3) and in Sarah's doubt: 'After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure?' (Genesis 18:12).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray 'have' as a versatile verb that conveys God's sovereign provision and human agency. God's uses of 'have' are authoritative and generous: He grants dominion (Genesis 1:26, 28), food (Genesis 1:29, 9:3), land (Genesis 15:18), and blessing (Genesis 17:20). These are unconditional or covenantal acts, establishing order and relationship. Human uses of 'have' reflect personal experience: possession of children (Genesis 4:1), cattle (Genesis 4:20), or a maid (Genesis 16:5); also actions like slaying (Genesis 4:23) or vowing (Genesis 14:23). The verb often appears in direct speech, highlighting its role in dialogue and narrative. Notably, God's 'have' is always future-oriented or declarative, while human 'have' often recounts past events or present states. The passages do not use 'have' in a legal or abstract sense but always in concrete, relational contexts—between God and humans, or among humans themselves.
Did You Know?
- The first use of 'have' in these passages is God granting dominion to humans (Genesis 1:26).
- God uses 'have' to give food twice: green herbs (Genesis 1:29) and every moving thing (Genesis 9:3).
- Lamech is the only person in these passages who uses 'have' to confess killing someone (Genesis 4:23).
- Sarah uses 'have' to express doubt about pleasure in old age (Genesis 18:12).
More in Part 53–78
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