Which

Lore & Background

In Genesis, 'which' frequently ties divine actions to their results. For instance, God made the firmament 'which' divided waters (Genesis 1:7), and the waters 'which' brought forth living creatures (Genesis 1:21). It also identifies the herb 'which' is given for meat (Genesis 1:29) and the river Pison 'which' compasses Havilah (Genesis 2:11). The term recurs in the Eden narrative, describing the tree 'which' is in the midst of the garden (Genesis 3:3) and the ground 'which' the LORD cursed (Genesis 3:17; 5:29).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray 'which' as a grammatical tool that specifies the subjects of God's actions and human responses. It is used to describe the firmament's function (Genesis 1:7), the source of animal life (Genesis 1:21), and the provision of food (Genesis 1:29). In the garden, it pinpoints the forbidden tree (Genesis 3:3) and the cursed ground (Genesis 3:17). Post-fall, it identifies the river Pison (Genesis 2:11) and the ark's dimensions (Genesis 6:15). The term also marks the raven sent from the ark (Genesis 8:7) and the covenant token (Genesis 9:12, 9:15, 9:17). In the Babel narrative, it refers to the human-built city and tower (Genesis 11:5), and in Abram's story, to the altar (Genesis 13:4). Each use of 'which' anchors a specific detail, emphasizing the concrete nature of the events described.

Did You Know?

• The firmament 'which' divided waters is the first use of 'which' in the passages (Genesis 1:7).
• The tree 'which' is in the midst of the garden is the only tree explicitly named as forbidden (Genesis 3:3).
• The raven 'which' went forth from the ark is the first bird sent by Noah (Genesis 8:7).
• The covenant 'which' God established is the same as the token of the rainbow (Genesis 9:12, 9:15, 9:17).