The Meaning Of The Hebrew Word כִּ֗י(ki)/"for"/"when" in <a href="http://biblehub.com/genesis/2-17.htm" target="_new">Genesis 2:17</a> In Comparison With Other Portions of Scripture

The Meaning Of The Hebrew Word כִּ֗י(ki)/"for"/"when" in Genesis 2:17 Comparison With Other Portions of Scripture

The purpose of this page is to examine various occurrences of the meaning of the Hebrew word כִּ֗י(ki) in Genesis 2:17 in comparison with other portions of scripture to illuminate the accurate meaning of the word.

In the first 6 chapters of the Bible, the Hebrew word כִּ֗י (ki) (Strong's Hebrew: 3588) occurs in each of these verses (these are EVERY occurrence of ki in Genesis 1 to Genesis 6 inclusive):

Verse	NASB rendition of verse	כִּ֗י (ki) trans.	Verse using "if" for "ki"	Verse using "when" for "ki"
Genesis 1:4	God saw that the light was good	that = ki	God saw if the light was good	God saw when the light was good
Genesis 1:10	God saw that it was good	that = ki	God saw if it was good	God saw when it was good
Genesis 1:12	God saw that it was good	that = ki	God saw if it was good	God saw when it was good
Genesis 1:18	God saw that it was good	that = ki	God saw if it was good	God saw when it was good
Genesis 1:21	God saw that it was good	that = ki	God saw if it was good	God saw when it was good
Genesis 1:25	God saw that it was good	that = ki	God saw if it was good	God saw when it was good
Genesis 2:3	Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested	because = ki	Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, if in it He rested	Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, when in it He rested
Genesis 2:5	no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the LORD God had not sent rain upon the earth	for = ki	no plant of the field had yet sprouted, if the LORD God had not sent rain upon the earth	no plant of the field had yet sprouted, when the LORD God had not sent rain upon the earth
Genesis 2:17	you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die	for = ki	you shall not eat, if in the day that you eat from it you will surely die	you shall not eat, when in the day that you eat from it you will surely die
Genesis 2:23	She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man	Because = ki	She shall be called Woman, If she was taken out of Man	She shall be called Woman, When she was taken out of Man
Genesis 3:1	And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You	Indeed = ki	And he said to the woman, "If, has God said, 'You	And he said to the woman, "When, has God said, 'You
Genesis 3:5	For God knows that in the day	For = ki	If God knows that in the day	When God knows that in the day
Genesis 3:5	For God knows that in the day	that = ki	For God knows if in the day	For God knows when in the day
Genesis 3:6	the woman saw that the tree was good for food	that = ki	the woman saw if the tree was good for food	the woman saw when the tree was good for food
Genesis 3:6	and that it was a delight to the eyes	that = ki	and if it was a delight to the eyes	and when it was a delight to the eyes
Genesis 3:7	Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked	and = ki	Then the eyes of both of them were opened, if they knew that they were naked	Then the eyes of both of them were opened, when they knew that they were naked
Genesis 3:10	I was afraid because I was naked	because = ki	I was afraid if I was naked	I was afraid when I was naked
Genesis 3:11	Who told you that you were naked	that = ki	Who told you if you were naked	Who told you when you were naked
Genesis 3:14	God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, Cursed are you	Because = ki	God said to the serpent, "If you have done this, Cursed are you	God said to the serpent, "When you have done this, Cursed are you
Genesis 3:17	Then to Adam He said, "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife	Because = ki	Then to Adam He said, "If you have listened to the voice of your wife	Then to Adam He said, "When you have listened to the voice of your wife
Genesis 3:19	till you return to the ground, Because from it you were taken	Because = ki	till you return to the ground, If from it you were taken	till you return to the ground, When from it you were taken
Genesis 3:19	you were taken; For you are dust, And to dust you shall return	For = ki	you were taken; If you are dust, And to dust you shall return	you were taken; When you are dust, And to dust you shall return
Genesis 4:12	When you cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you	When = ki	If you cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you	When you cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you
Genesis 4:23	Give heed to my speech, For I have killed a man	For = ki	Give heed to my speech, If I have killed a man	Give heed to my speech, When I have killed a man
Genesis 4:24	If Cain is avenged sevenfold, Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold	If = ki	If Cain is avenged sevenfold, Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold	When Cain is avenged sevenfold, Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold
Genesis 4:25	she gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, for, [she said], "God has appointed	for = ki	she gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, if, [she said], "God has appointed	she gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, when, [she said], "God has appointed
Genesis 4:25	God has appointed me another offspring in place of Abel, for Cain killed him	for = ki	God has appointed me another offspring in place of Abel, if Cain killed him	God has appointed me another offspring in place of Abel, when Cain killed him
Genesis 5:24	Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him	for = ki	Enoch walked with God; and he was not, if God took him	Enoch walked with God; and he was not, when God took him
Genesis 6:1	Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land	when = ki	Now it came about, if men began to multiply on the face of the land	Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land
Genesis 6:2	the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful	that = ki	the sons of God saw if the daughters of men were beautiful	the sons of God saw when the daughters of men were beautiful
Genesis 6:5	Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great	that = ki	Then the LORD saw if the wickedness of man was great	Then the LORD saw when the wickedness of man was great
Genesis 6:6	The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth	that = ki	The LORD was sorry if He had made man on the earth	The LORD was sorry when He had made man on the earth
Genesis 6:7	for I am sorry that I have made them	for = ki	if I am sorry that I have made them	when I am sorry that I have made them
Genesis 6:7	for I am sorry that I have made them	that = ki	for I am sorry if I have made them	for I am sorry when I have made them
Genesis 6:12	it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted	for = ki	it was corrupt; if all flesh had corrupted	it was corrupt; when all flesh had corrupted
Genesis 6:13	The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them	for = ki	The end of all flesh has come before Me; if the earth is filled with violence because of them	The end of all flesh has come before Me; when the earth is filled with violence because of them

RESULTS FROM THE ABOVE EXERCISE

The word "if" is a very poor translation in every occurrence throughout Genesis 1 - 6.

The Hebrew Word For "If" Is אִם (im)

While the balance of this page focuses on the accurate translation of the Hebrew word כִּ֗י (ki) (Strong's 3588 -- for/that/when), this sidebar touches on the accurate translation of the Hebrew Word אִם (im) (Strong's 518 -- if).

The Hebrew word אִם (im) is absent within Genesis chapters 1 - 3; in fact, it only appears in Genesis 4:7 across all of Genesis chapters 1 - 6.

Both occurrences of the English word "if" are the Hebrew word אִם (im) inside of "If you do well, will not [your countenance] be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it" Genesis 4:7.

The definition for אִם (im) is "if".

The word אִם (im), "if", can represent a hypothetical and/or an interrogative.

The word אִם (im), "if", is a component of an IF/THEN logic statement construct.

Considering Vengence, Cain, and Lamech in Genesis 4:24

Even in the single verse, Genesis 4:24, with "if" as the original translation, it does not fit well because God is recorded as saying about Cain "Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold" (Genesis 4:15).
Notice, God did not say "if someone kills Cain", rather God says "Therefore whoever kills Cain".
No "if" in Genesis 4:15 could have bearing on there being no "if" in Genesis 4:24 particularly when the Hebrew ki word translated as "if" does not fit ANYWHERE else in these verses.
In Genesis 4:24, the verse could very well carry the meaning of --- when that other guy's deterrance is tough - then my deterrance is tougher.
- This example uses the word "when".
- This takes context into account.
A literal reading of Genesis 4:24 indicates that when Cain is avenged then Lamech is to be avenged seventy-sevenfold. Not only does Lamech try to institute his own deterrence, but he also makes the claim that Cain being avenged must occur first.
- This example uses the word "when".
- This is a very literal reading of the verse.
- This also takes context into account.
That was very arrogant and prideful for the creature named Lamech. God gave no command to assign authority to Lamech, so Lamech's command held no value.
That which Lamech said was a mockery, whether intentional or not.
The word "if" fails to convey the context in Genesis 4:24.
The word "if" fails to conform to the pattern established with every other instance of the Hebrew word כִּ֗י (ki) in the first six chapters of Genesis.

Further Illustrating The Magnitude Of Displacement Of Meaning In Genesis Chapters 1 to 6 By The Word "If"

Notice how tangled, some horribly, these other verses become when "if" is used:

Genesis 1:4
God saw if the light was good
That "if" is a horrible mangling!
That "if" is severely not the context!
The works of God are good, so the implication of contingency with "if" fails to recognize the perfection of God's works!
Genesis 1:10
God saw if it was good
That "if" is a horrible mangling!
That "if" is severely not the context!
The works of God are good, so the implication of contingency with "if" fails to recognize the perfection of God's works!
This same scenerio repeats for these verses:
Genesis 3:14
The LORD God said to the serpent, "If you have done this, Cursed are you more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you will go, And dust you will eat All the days of your life"
That "if" is severely not the context!
That would imply that it is unknown to God whether to execute the punishment upon the serpent.
God knows all things, so "if" fails for the context.
This same scenerio repeats for these verses:
- Genesis 3:17
- Genesis 3:19
  By the sweat of your face You will eat bread, Till you return to the ground, If from it you were taken; If you are dust, And to dust you shall return."
Genesis 5:24
Enoch walked with God; and he was not, if God took him.
That "if" is severely not the context!
That would imply that it is unknown to God whether Enoch walked with God.
God knows all things, so "if" fails for the context.
Genesis 6:6
The LORD was sorry if He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
That "if" is severely not the context!
That would imply that it is unknown to God whether God made man on the earth.
God knows all things, so "if" fails for the context.
Genesis 6:7
The LORD said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; if I am sorry if I have made them."
Both of the "if" word's are severely not the context!
That would state that it is unknown to God whether God was sorry that God made man as well as well as whether God made man.
God knows all things, so "if" fails for the context.
Genesis 6:12
God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; if all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.
That "if" is preceded by the definite statement that God knew the earth was corrupt, so the "if" with subsequent words indicate contradiction to the prior definite statement.
That "if" is severely not the context!
That would imply that it is unknown to God whether the earth was corrupt.
God knows all things, so "if" fails for the context.

Magnifying The Inplace Meaning In Genesis Chapters 1 to 6 By The Word "When" And The Original Translation

Notice how harmonious these passages are when the original translation or "when" is used:

Genesis 1:4
Translate "ki" to "that": God saw that the light was good
Translate "ki" to "when": God saw when the light was good
A word-for-word translation using "when" for "ki" from the Hebrew of Genesis 1:3 (interlinear) and Genesis 1:4 (interlinear)
3 And-said God let-there-be light and-there-was light 4 And-saw God the-light when good divided God between the-light and-between the-darkness
Cause and effect are presented in this scripture.
- In this scripture, the cause is on the left side of the word "when" (ki).
- In this scripture, the effect is on the right side of the word "when" (ki).
With the word "when", behold, God said "Let there be light" and there was light then when God viewed with satisfaction the goodness then God proceeded to separate the light and the darkness.
The word "when" indicates the point of continuation, not a point of contingency because God's work is perfect.
Genesis 1:10
Translate "ki" to "that": God saw that it was good
Translate "ki" to "when": God saw when it was good
A word-for-word translation using "when" for "ki" from the Hebrew of Genesis 1:10 (interlinear) and Genesis 1:11 (interlinear)
10 And-called the-dry-[land] Earth and-the-collection of-the-waters He-called Seas And-saw God when good 11 And-said God let-bring-forth the-earth grass the-herb [that]-yields seed [and]-the-tree fruit according-to-its-kind whose seed-is in-itself on the-earth and-it-was so
Cause and effect are presented in this passage.
- In the passage, the cause is on the left side of the word "when" (ki).
- In the passage, the effect is on the right side of the word "when" (ki).
With the word "when", behold, God named the dry land Earth and named the gathered waters Seas then when God viewed with satisfaction the goodness then God proceeded by saying "Let the earth sprout vegetation: plants yielding seed, [and] fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them" and it was so!
The word "when" indicates the point of continuation, not a point of contingency because God's work is perfect.
This scenerio repeats in similar fashion for these verses:
Genesis 3:14
Translate "ki" to "Because": The LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, Cursed are you more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you will go, And dust you will eat All the days of your life"
Translate "ki" to "When": The LORD God said to the serpent, "When you have done this, Cursed are you more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you will go, And dust you will eat All the days of your life"
That "when" matches the context!
It is a known quantity to God to execute the punishment upon the serpent.
God knows all things, so "when" succeeds for the context.
This scenerio repeats in similar fashion for these verses:
- Genesis 3:17
- Genesis 3:19
Genesis 5:24
Translate "ki" to "for": Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.
Translate "ki" to "when": Enoch walked with God; and he was not, when God took him.
That "when" matches the context!
It is a known quantity to God that Enoch walked with God when God took Enoch.
God knows all things, so "when" succeeds for the context.
Genesis 6:6
Translate "ki" to "that": The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
Translate "ki" to "when": The LORD was sorry when He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
That "when" is retrospective.
That "when" matches the context!
It is a known quantity to God when God was sorry that God made man on the earth.
God knows all things, so "when" succeeds for the context.
Genesis 6:7
Translate "ki" to "for" and "ki" to "that": The LORD said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them."
Translate "ki" to "when" and "ki" to "when": The LORD said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; when I am sorry when I have made them."
Both of those "when" words sound like God's patience in waiting about the blotting out man.
That second "when" is retrospective.
Those "when" words matche the context!
It is a known quantity to God when God was sorry that God made man on the earth as well as when God made man.
God knows all things, so "when" succeeds for the context.
Genesis 6:12
Translate "ki" to "for": God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.
Translate "ki" to "when": God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; when all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.
That "when" binds the preceding portion and the subsequent portion of the verse.
That "when" matches the context!
It is a known quantity to God when all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.
God knows all things, so "when" succeeds for the context.

The word "when" is the original translation twice, in verses Genesis 4:12 and Genesis 6:1; on the other hand, the word "if" is the original translation once, in verse Genesis 4:24.

The word "when" works in all verses, and "when" works well in the vast majority of the verses!

FINDINGS

The Hebrew word כִּ֗י (ki) does not represent discretionary; otherwise, there is a collision in definition within the verse Genesis 3:19 because the man was most assuredly taken from the ground (Genesis 2:7, Genesis 3:22).

The Hebrew word כִּ֗י (ki) can represent contingency in the sense of cause and effect.

The Hebrew word כִּ֗י (ki) can represent occurrence in the sense of an action.

The Hebrew word כִּ֗י (ki) establishes a dependency of one thing upon another thing. For example, when "this" happens, then "that" needs to happen.

These findings demonstrate that the word "if", as a discretionary construct, fails to represent the rich meaning of the Hebrew word כִּ֗י (ki) within the early chapters of Genesis (see also God's Commands Distinguished From Man's Ability).

Further, these findings demonstrate that the word "when" fits well with the Hebrew word כִּ֗י (ki) within Genesis 1 to Genesis 6.

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