batch.motif.islamic-koran-rodwell-gutenberg-l11663-l11812
---
record_id: batch.motif.islamic-koran-rodwell-gutenberg-l11663-l11812
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
passage_locator:
label: PUBLIC SERVICES, / AND EMINENT LITERARY ATTAINMENTS, / THE TRANSLATOR. /
PREFACE; lines 11663-11812
start: '11663'
end: '11812'
translation: The Koran (Al-Qur'an), Rodwell translation
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: The passage presents natural phenomena as signs of God, warns mockers and
disbelievers of punishment, describes God’s subjection of sea and cosmos for human
benefit, recalls gifts of Book, Wisdom, and Prophecy to the children of Israel,
commands adherence to divine law, asserts resurrection and judgment according
to deeds, depicts nations kneeling before their books, contrasts mercy for believers
with fire for those who mocked the signs, and opens Sura XVI with divine doom,
angelic descent with the Spirit, creation, and human contentiousness.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: The succession of night and day, heavenly supply that revives dead earth,
and the changing winds are described as signs for discerning people.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: A lying sinner hears the signs of God recited, persists in proud disdain,
and turns signs into ridicule.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:3
text: Hell and afflictive punishment are said to await those who disbelieve and
mock the signs.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:4
text: God subjects the sea so that ships traverse it and people seek his bounty
and give thanks.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:5
text: God subjects all that is in the heavens and on the earth to people, and this
is called a sign for reflection.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:6
text: The children of Israel are said to have received the Book, Wisdom, Prophecy,
good things, privilege, and clear sanctions.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:7
text: The addressee is set over divine law and told to follow it rather than the
wishes of those without knowledge.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:8
text: The Book is described as insight for mankind, guidance, and mercy for a people
firm in faith.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:9
text: God is said to have created the heavens and earth in truth so that every person
may be rewarded according to what they have wrought.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: obs:10
text: A person who has made a god of his passions is described as having ears and
heart sealed and a veil over sight.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: obs:11
text: Some speakers deny resurrection, saying present life is all there is and that
time destroys them.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: obs:12
text: The opponents demand that their fathers be brought back as proof.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: obs:13
text: God gives life, causes death, and will assemble people on the day of resurrection.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- id: obs:14
text: On the day of the Hour, every nation is seen kneeling and summoned to its
own book to be repaid for what it has wrought.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- id: obs:15
text: The Book is said to speak truthfully of people because their deeds have been
written in it.
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:15
- id: obs:16
text: Those who believe and work righteousness enter their Lord’s mercy and bliss.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:16
- id: obs:17
text: Those who mocked the signs and were deceived by present life are forgotten,
assigned the fire as abode, and have no succour.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:17
- id: obs:18
text: The opening of Sura XVI states that the doom of God comes to pass and commands
people not to hasten it.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:18
- id: obs:19
text: God causes angels to descend with the Spirit upon whom he pleases among his
servants, bidding them to warn that there is no God but God.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:19
- id: obs:20
text: God creates the heavens and earth to set forth truth and creates man from
a moist germ; man is then described as an open caviller.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:20
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: God
description: The divine speaker and actor who gives signs, subjects the sea and
cosmos, gives life and death, judges, sends angels with the Spirit, and creates.
role_refs:
- role:1
- role:2
- role:3
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:4
- ev:9
- ev:13
- ev:19
- ev:20
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: lying sinner / disbelievers / infidels
description: People who hear God’s signs, disdain or mock them, deny the Hour, and
are warned of punishment.
role_refs:
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:11
- ev:17
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: believers
description: Those told to pardon others and those who believe and work righteousness.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:16
- ev:21
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: children of Israel
description: A people formerly given the Book, Wisdom, Prophecy, good things, privilege,
and clear sanctions.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: every nation
description: Nations seen kneeling and summoned to their own book on the day of
judgment.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: angels
description: Beings caused by God to descend with the Spirit to warn by divine behest.
role_refs:
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:19
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: man
description: Humanity created from a moist germ and described as an open caviller.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:20
roles:
- id: role:1
label: creator
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: God creates the heavens and earth and creates man from a moist germ.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:20
- id: role:2
label: provider and cosmic sovereign
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: God sends supply from heaven, subjects the sea, and subjects what is in the
heavens and earth.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: role:3
label: judge and rewarder
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: God rewards people according to deeds and will assemble them on the day of
resurrection.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:13
- ev:14
- id: role:4
label: sender of revelation or warning
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: God’s signs are recited, divine law is given, and angels descend with the
Spirit by his behest to warn.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:7
- ev:19
- id: role:5
label: mocking rejecters
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: They hear signs, scorn or ridicule them, deny the Hour, and receive punishment.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:11
- ev:17
- id: role:6
label: righteous recipients of mercy
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: Those who believe and work righteousness enter their Lord’s mercy.
evidence_refs:
- ev:16
- id: role:7
label: former recipients of scripture and wisdom
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: The children of Israel received the Book, Wisdom, Prophecy, good things,
and clear sanctions.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: role:8
label: judged collectives
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: Every nation kneels, is summoned to its book, and is repaid for deeds.
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- id: role:9
label: descending warners
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: The angels descend with the Spirit and convey warning of God’s oneness and
fear of God.
evidence_refs:
- ev:19
- id: role:10
label: created caviller
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: Man is created from a moist germ and described as an open caviller.
evidence_refs:
- ev:20
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: natural signs
literal_form: night and day, heavenly supply reviving dead earth, and changing winds
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs:
- wisdom
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: sym:2
label: sea and ships
literal_form: sea subjected by God so ships may traverse it
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs:
- water
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: sym:3
label: Book of deeds
literal_form: each nation’s book and the Book that speaks truthfully of written
deeds
associated_figures:
- fig:5
taxonomy_refs:
- divine_judgment
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- ev:15
- id: sym:4
label: kneeling nations
literal_form: every nation kneeling on the day of the Hour
associated_figures:
- fig:5
taxonomy_refs:
- divine_judgment
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- id: sym:5
label: sealed faculties and veil
literal_form: sealed ears, sealed heart, and veil over sight
associated_figures:
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: sym:6
label: fire as abode
literal_form: the fire assigned as abode with none to succour
associated_figures:
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs:
- fire
- divine_judgment
evidence_refs:
- ev:17
- id: sym:7
label: angels with the Spirit
literal_form: angels descending with the Spirit by divine behest
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:6
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:19
- id: sym:8
label: moist germ
literal_form: man created from a moist germ
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:7
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:20
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Cosmic and natural signs
summary: Natural cycles and life-giving heavenly supply are presented as signs of
God for discernment.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: scene:2
label: Rejection and mockery of signs
summary: A sinner hears divine signs but disdains or ridicules them and is warned
of punishment and Hell.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- id: scene:3
label: Sea and cosmos subjected for human benefit
summary: God subjects the sea, ships, and all in the heavens and earth for human
use and reflection.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
symbol_refs:
- sym:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: scene:4
label: Israelite gifts and divine law
summary: The children of Israel are recalled as recipients of Book, Wisdom, Prophecy,
and sanctions; the addressee is instructed to follow divine law.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:4
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: scene:5
label: Guidance and moral recompense
summary: The Book is described as guidance and mercy; right action benefits the
doer, evil harms the doer, and God rewards each person according to deeds.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:3
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:9
- ev:22
- id: scene:6
label: Denial of resurrection and reply
summary: Opponents deny life beyond the present and demand the return of their fathers;
the reply states that God gives life, causes death, and will assemble people on
resurrection day.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- ev:12
- ev:13
- id: scene:7
label: Nations judged by their books
summary: On the day of the Hour every nation kneels, is summoned to its own book,
and is repaid according to recorded deeds.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:5
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- ev:15
- id: scene:8
label: Mercy for believers and fire for mockers
summary: Believers who act righteously enter mercy and bliss, while those who mocked
the signs are forgotten and remain in the fire.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:16
- ev:17
- id: scene:9
label: Opening proclamation of Sura XVI
summary: God’s doom is announced; angels descend with the Spirit to warn of divine
oneness; God creates heaven, earth, and man.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:6
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:7
- sym:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:18
- ev:19
- ev:20
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: Natural world as divine signs
taxonomy_refs:
- wisdom
basis: The passage explicitly names natural cycles, reviving supply, winds, sea,
and cosmic order as signs for discernment and reflection.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:4
- ev:5
confidence: high
cautions: The taxonomy reference to wisdom is broad; the passage emphasizes signs
and discernment rather than a personified wisdom figure.
- id: motif:2
label: Divine judgment according to deeds
taxonomy_refs:
- divine_judgment
basis: Multiple lines state that people will be rewarded or repaid according to
what they have wrought and will not be wronged.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:14
- ev:22
confidence: high
cautions: ''
- id: motif:3
label: Resurrection assembly
taxonomy_refs:
- resurrection
basis: The passage states that God gives life, causes death, and will assemble people
on the day of resurrection.
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
confidence: high
cautions: ''
- id: motif:4
label: Judgment by written record
taxonomy_refs:
- divine_judgment
basis: Every nation is summoned to its own book, and a Book is said to speak truthfully
because deeds have been written in it.
evidence_refs:
- ev:14
- ev:15
confidence: high
cautions: The passage does not elaborate the physical form or keeper of the book.
- id: motif:5
label: Mercy for righteous believers and fire for mockers
taxonomy_refs:
- divine_judgment
- fire
basis: The passage contrasts entry into mercy and bliss for righteous believers
with fire and lack of succour for those who mocked the signs.
evidence_refs:
- ev:16
- ev:17
confidence: high
cautions: ''
- id: motif:6
label: Divine revelation and warning through descending angels
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: God causes angels to descend with the Spirit upon chosen servants to warn
that there is no God but God.
evidence_refs:
- ev:19
confidence: high
cautions: No available taxonomy reference directly names angelic revelation.
- id: motif:7
label: Scripture, wisdom, and prophecy bestowed on a chosen people
taxonomy_refs:
- wisdom
basis: The children of Israel are described as receiving the Book, Wisdom, Prophecy,
good things, privilege, and clear sanctions.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage does not frame this as a full covenant narrative in the supplied
excerpt.
- id: motif:8
label: Spiritual obstruction through sealed faculties
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: The passage describes one who has made a god of passions as having sealed
ears and heart and a veil over sight.
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
confidence: medium
cautions: This is a strong image but lacks a direct available taxonomy match.
comparison_claims: []
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: lines 11663-11665
quote_or_summary: Night and day, heavenly supply that revives dead earth, and changing
winds are signs for people of discernment.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: lines 11667-11676
quote_or_summary: God’s signs are recited; a lying sinner hears them, persists in
proud disdain, and turns signs into ridicule.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: lines 11678-11683
quote_or_summary: Hell and great or afflictive punishment are described for those
who disbelieve the signs.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: lines 11685-11687
quote_or_summary: God subjects the sea so ships may traverse it and people may seek
his bounty and give thanks.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: lines 11689-11690
quote_or_summary: God subjects all in the heavens and on the earth; these are signs
for those who reflect.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: lines 11697-11703
quote_or_summary: The children of Israel received the Book, Wisdom, Prophecy, good
things, privilege, and clear sanctions, then differed after knowledge came.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: lines 11705-11707
quote_or_summary: The addressee is set over divine law and told to follow it, not
the wishes of those without knowledge.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:8
type: quote
locator: line 11712
quote_or_summary: '"This Book hath insight for mankind, and a Guidance and Mercy"'
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; short quotation.
- id: ev:9
type: summary
locator: lines 11717-11718
quote_or_summary: God created the heavens and earth in truth so that every one may
be rewarded according to what they have wrought.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:10
type: summary
locator: lines 11720-11723
quote_or_summary: One who has made a god of his passions is described with sealed
ears and heart and a veil over sight.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:11
type: summary
locator: lines 11725-11727
quote_or_summary: Some say there is only present life, that people die and live,
and that only time destroys them.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:12
type: quote
locator: lines 11729-11730
quote_or_summary: '"Bring back our fathers, if ye speak the truth."'
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; short quotation.
- id: ev:13
type: summary
locator: lines 11732-11734
quote_or_summary: God gives life, causes death, and will assemble people on the
day of resurrection.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:14
type: summary
locator: lines 11738-11740
quote_or_summary: On the day of the Hour every nation kneels, is summoned to its
own book, and is repaid for what it has wrought.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:15
type: summary
locator: lines 11742-11743
quote_or_summary: The Book will speak truthfully of people because whatever they
did has been written in it.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:16
type: summary
locator: lines 11745-11746
quote_or_summary: Those who believed and worked righteously are caused by their
Lord to enter mercy and bliss.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:17
type: summary
locator: lines 11753-11760
quote_or_summary: Those who mocked God’s signs and were deceived by present life
are forgotten, assigned the fire, and not brought out from it.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:18
type: summary
locator: lines 11782-11785
quote_or_summary: At the opening of Sura XVI, the doom of God is said to come to
pass, and people are told not to hasten it.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:19
type: summary
locator: lines 11787-11789
quote_or_summary: God causes the angels to descend with the Spirit upon whom he
pleases among his servants, bidding them to warn of divine oneness.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:20
type: summary
locator: lines 11791-11795
quote_or_summary: God creates the heavens and earth to set forth truth and creates
man from a moist germ; man is called an open caviller.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:21
type: summary
locator: lines 11692-11695
quote_or_summary: Believers are told to pardon those who do not hope for the days
of God; God will reward people according to deeds.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:22
type: summary
locator: lines 11694-11695
quote_or_summary: Right action benefits the doer, evil harms the doer, and all will
be brought back to the Lord.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/islamic/project-gutenberg/koran-rodwell.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: uncertain
notes: Literal extraction is strong because the passage repeatedly names signs,
judgment, resurrection, books, fire, and angelic descent. Motif taxonomy mapping
is partly broad where no exact taxonomy item exists for signs, scripture, or angelic
revelation. No comparison claims were made because the supplied passage does not
itself establish a comparative relationship beyond internal references.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-29'
notes: |-
Used only the supplied passage and metadata. Footnotes were treated as part of the passage only where they clarify wording; no external comparisons were added.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:islamic-koran-rodwell-gutenberg__l11663-l11812
passage_sha256=95c739929cccd983a712c537992b3b0ab2d8daa1290a53a4dfe52b077ad76ee4