Genesis 1:29

KJV

¶ And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} said {H559}, Behold {H2009}, I have given {H5414} you every herb {H6212} bearing {H2232} seed {H2233}, which is upon the face {H6440} of all the earth {H776}, and every tree {H6086}, in the which is the fruit {H6529} of a tree {H6086} yielding {H2232} seed {H2233}; to you it shall be {H1961} for meat {H402}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then God said, “Here! Throughout the whole earth I am giving you as food every seed-bearing plant and every tree with seed-bearing fruit.

Berean Standard Bible

Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food.

American Standard Version

And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 1:29 unveils God's profound and benevolent provision for humanity, establishing the foundational dietary blueprint within a perfectly ordered creation. This divine declaration showcases God's boundless generosity in supplying all necessary sustenance for life, thereby laying the groundwork for humanity's harmonious relationship with both the earth and its Creator. It powerfully underscores God's character as the ultimate and meticulous sustainer from the very dawn of existence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse concludes the sixth day of creation, immediately following God's climactic act of creating humanity in His own image and likeness ([Genesis 1:26-27](/genesis/1-26-27 "Genesis 1:26-27 - Creation of Humanity in God's Image")). After bestowing upon them the profound blessing and the cultural mandate to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves on the earth" ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Cultural Mandate")), God graciously and explicitly reveals the specific provision He has made for their sustenance. This sequence highlights God's comprehensive care, demonstrating that He not only creates life but also meticulously provides for its flourishing, ensuring humanity's needs are met even before they embark on their stewardship responsibilities. The divine pronouncement of provision is a natural and necessary follow-up to the creation of life itself, completing the picture of a perfectly equipped and sustained world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, creation accounts often depicted gods as demanding sustenance from humanity. In stark contrast, Genesis 1:29 portrays the one true God as the benevolent Giver, providing sustenance *to* humanity. This verse reflects a pre-agricultural, pre-pastoral society, where the concept of a plant-based diet aligns with a pristine, unfallen world. The emphasis on "every herb bearing seed" and "every tree...yielding seed" speaks to a natural, self-renewing abundance, where food is freely available from the earth without laborious cultivation or the taking of animal life. This initial dietary command sets a precedent for a world characterized by *shalom* (peace and wholeness), where violence and death for sustenance are absent, reflecting God's original design for perfect coexistence and harmony between all living things. It contrasts sharply with the later realities of a fallen world, where labor, scarcity, and animal consumption become part of the human experience.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 1:29 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the creation narrative and the broader book of Genesis. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Benevolence and Provision**, showcasing God as the ultimate Sustainer who meticulously prepares a world teeming with life-giving resources for His creation. It reinforces the concept of **Creational Order and Design**, where every element, including humanity's diet, is purposefully and perfectly arranged. The verse also introduces the theme of **Human Dependence on God**, positioning humanity not as self-sufficient but as recipients of God's gracious gifts, fostering a posture of gratitude and reliance. Furthermore, the plant-based diet underscores the **Original Purity and Harmony (Shalom) of Creation**, where life does not require the death of other creatures, setting an ideal that contrasts with the post-Fall and post-Flood world, where dietary laws and animal consumption are introduced ([Genesis 9:3](/genesis/9-3 "Genesis 9:3 - Post-Flood Dietary Allowance")). This initial provision also implicitly lays the groundwork for **Human Stewardship**, as the recipients of such bounty are implicitly entrusted with its care and wise management, a responsibility more explicitly detailed in [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Humanity's Role in the Garden").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This word (H5414) is a primitive root meaning "to give," used with great latitude of application. In Genesis 1:29, its perfect tense ("I have given") signifies a completed, decisive, and irrevocable act of divine generosity. It underscores God's initiative and active benevolence, emphasizing that this provision is a freely bestowed gift, not something earned or deserved by humanity. The act of "giving" highlights God's role as the ultimate Provider and Sustainer of life.
* **seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** Derived from the root "to sow," this word (H2233) refers to "seed," and figuratively, "fruit" or "posterity." Its repeated use in the verse ("herb bearing seed," "tree yielding seed") is crucial. It signifies the self-perpetuating nature of the food source. God's provision is not a one-time handout but a sustainable, renewable system, ensuring perpetual abundance through the natural reproductive cycle of plants. This detail highlights the wisdom and foresight embedded in God's creational design.
* **meat (Hebrew, _ʼoklâh'_):** This feminine noun (H402) simply means "food" or "sustenance." The King James Version's translation "meat" reflects an older English usage of the word (*mete*) which broadly referred to food in general, not exclusively animal flesh. This clarification is vital for understanding the original dietary provision: God designated plant-based foods—herbs and fruits bearing seed—as the primary and sufficient sustenance for humanity in the pristine, pre-Fall creation, establishing a diet harmonious with the initial state of peace and life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God said, Behold, I have given you"**: This opening phrase, characteristic of the creation narrative, underscores the authoritative and intentional nature of God's decree. The interjection "Behold" (Hebrew *hinnêh*) draws immediate attention to the profound significance of the declaration, emphasizing God's direct and personal address to humanity. The phrase "I have given" highlights divine initiative and the completed, generous act of provision.
* **"every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth"**: This specifies the first category of food: all seed-bearing plants found across the entire earth. The emphasis on "bearing seed" is crucial, signifying a self-renewing, sustainable food source. This demonstrates God's abundant and universal provision, ensuring access to sustenance wherever humanity might dwell.
* **"and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed"**: This adds the second category of food: fruit from trees that also contain seeds. This further expands the scope of God's provision, highlighting the diversity and richness of the plant kingdom made available to humanity. Again, "yielding seed" emphasizes the perpetual nature of this food source.
* **"to you it shall be for meat."**: This concluding clause clarifies the purpose of this vast botanical provision. As analyzed in the "Key Word Analysis," "meat" here means "food" or "sustenance" in general. This establishes the original, divinely ordained diet for humanity as entirely plant-based, reflecting a creation free from violence and death, where all life is sustained harmoniously by the earth's natural bounty.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 1:29 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Fiat**, where God's spoken word ("And God said") brings about a new reality or declaration, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and creative power. This is a recurring motif throughout [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), underscoring the efficacy of God's command. **Repetition** is also evident in the phrase "bearing seed" and "yielding seed," which highlights the crucial aspect of self-perpetuation and sustainability built into God's provision. This repetition emphasizes the wisdom of God's design, ensuring an ongoing food supply. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Specificity** in detailing the types of food ("every herb," "every tree," "fruit of a tree"), which paints a vivid picture of the abundant and diverse provision. This specificity contrasts with vague generalities, conveying the meticulousness of God's care. Finally, the verse is rich in **Provision** imagery, portraying God as the generous benefactor who supplies all needs before they are even articulated, establishing a foundational theological truth about His character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 1:29 is a profound theological statement on God's character as the ultimate and benevolent Provider. It reveals His meticulous care not only in creating life but also in sustaining it with abundant resources. This initial dietary decree reflects the pristine *shalom* of creation, where life is sustained without violence or the taking of other life, underscoring God's original design for a harmonious and peaceful coexistence. Humanity is positioned as a recipient of divine grace, highlighting our inherent dependence on the Creator for our very existence and sustenance. This foundational truth counters any notion of human self-sufficiency and cultivates an attitude of profound gratitude and trust in God's unfailing provision. The verse also sets the stage for understanding the impact of the Fall, as this ideal state of provision and harmony is disrupted, leading to changes in diet and the introduction of toil and suffering.

* [Genesis 9:3](/genesis/9-3 "Genesis 9:3 - Post-Flood Dietary Changes")
* [Psalm 104:14](/psalms/104-14 "Psalm 104:14 - God Makes Plants Grow for Man")
* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God Feeds the Birds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 1:29 invites us to a profound reflection on the source of our sustenance and the nature of God's provision in our lives. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of deep gratitude, recognizing that every meal, every resource, and indeed every breath ultimately flows from the benevolent hand of our Creator. This verse challenges us to consider our own consumption habits and our role as stewards of the earth's abundant resources. Are we managing God's creation wisely and sustainably, reflecting His original design for harmony and flourishing, or are we contributing to its degradation? Furthermore, this passage encourages us to trust in God's faithful provision for all our needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual—just as He meticulously provided for humanity from the very beginning. It reminds us that our true security lies not in our own efforts or possessions, but in the unwavering generosity of our heavenly Father.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Genesis 1:29 shape your understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's daily provision in your life?**
* **What responsibilities does this verse imply for our stewardship of the earth's resources and our consumption habits?**
* **How might the original, plant-based diet described here inform our understanding of God's ideal for a peaceful and non-violent creation?**

### FAQ
**What does "meat" signify in Genesis 1:29?**

Answer: In Genesis 1:29, the King James Version's use of "meat" (from Old English *mete*) refers to food or sustenance in general, not exclusively animal flesh. The original Hebrew word, *oklâh* (אׇכְלָה), simply means "food." This clarifies that God's initial provision for humanity in the pristine creation was entirely plant-based, encompassing herbs and fruits bearing seed.

**Does Genesis 1:29 mandate vegetarianism for all time?**

Answer: Genesis 1:29 describes God's original dietary provision in the pre-Fall, pristine creation, which was indeed plant-based. However, after the Great Flood, God explicitly expanded humanity's diet to include animal flesh, stating, "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything" ([Genesis 9:3](/genesis/9-3 "Genesis 9:3 - God's Post-Flood Dietary Allowance")). Therefore, while Genesis 1:29 reveals God's initial ideal for a world without violence, it does not mandate vegetarianism for all subsequent eras.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 1:29, with its emphasis on divine provision and life-sustaining food, profoundly points forward to Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance and the true "Bread of Life." Just as God meticulously provided physical food for humanity in Eden, Jesus declares Himself to be the one who satisfies eternal hunger and thirst, offering spiritual nourishment that leads to everlasting life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). In the fallen world, humanity struggles for sustenance and experiences brokenness, but Christ's redemptive work initiates a new creation, restoring the harmonious provision of God initially seen in Eden. He is the one who ultimately reverses the curse and brings about a new heavens and new earth where the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yields its fruit each month, symbolizing eternal and abundant provision for the redeemed ([Revelation 22:2](/revelation/22-2 "Revelation 22:2 - The Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem")). Through Christ, humanity's relationship with God is restored, culminating in an eternal feast of communion, where God's perfect provision is fully realized and enjoyed without end. He is the fulfillment of God's promise to sustain His people, not just physically, but eternally and spiritually.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 9:3

Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.

Psalms 145:15

The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.

Psalms 145:16

Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

Psalms 104:14

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

Psalms 104:15

And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make [his] face to shine, and bread [which] strengtheneth man's heart.

Psalms 104:27

These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give [them] their meat in due season.

Psalms 104:28

[That] thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.