Genesis 7:15

KJV

And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein [is] the breath of life.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they went in {H935} unto Noah {H5146} into the ark {H8392}, two {H8147} and two {H8147} of all flesh {H1320}, wherein {H834} is the breath {H7307} of life {H2416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They went in to Noach in the ark, couples from every kind of living thing that breathes.

Berean Standard Bible

They came to Noah to enter the ark, two by two of every creature with the breath of life.

American Standard Version

And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh wherein is the breath of life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 7:15 meticulously records the divinely orchestrated entry of all land-dwelling, air-breathing creatures into Noah's Ark, arriving in pairs. This pivotal moment signifies the precise fulfillment of God's command to preserve a remnant of life from the impending global judgment, highlighting His absolute sovereignty over creation and His meticulous provision for the continuity of life on earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 7:15 is situated at the dramatic climax of the pre-Flood narrative, immediately preceding the commencement of the deluge itself. It follows God's explicit instructions to Noah regarding the construction of the Ark and the gathering of animals (as detailed in [Genesis 6:13-22](/genesis/6-13-22 "God's Command to Noah to Build the Ark")). This verse marks the fulfillment of those commands, serving as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereign control over creation and Noah's obedient response. The preceding verses (Genesis 7:1-14) describe God's final call to Noah to enter the Ark and the specific numbers of animals (seven pairs of clean animals and birds, two pairs of unclean animals), making verse 15 the culmination of this preparation phase before the floodwaters arrive. It sets the stage for the narrative of the flood's onset in [Genesis 7:17-24](/genesis/7-17-24 "The Flood Begins and Destroys All Life").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Genesis flood narrative, while unique in its monotheistic and moral dimensions, resonates with broader ancient Near Eastern flood myths (e.g., the Epic of Gilgamesh, Atrahasis Epic). However, Genesis distinguishes itself by portraying a righteous God who judges human wickedness, not capricious deities. In this context, the meticulous entry of animals in pairs underscores the divine order and control, contrasting with the chaos and destruction that is about to engulf the world. The concept of "breath of life" (Hebrew: *ruach chayyim*) connects directly to the creation account in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "God Breathes Life into Adam"), emphasizing that life itself is a gift from God. The preservation of life in the Ark, therefore, is not merely a biological act but a theological statement about God's commitment to His creation, even in judgment, and His intention to establish a new beginning for humanity and the animal kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all creation, even compelling wild animals to obey His will without human intervention. Secondly, it underscores **God's Faithfulness** to His covenant promises and warnings, as He meticulously brings about what He declared would happen. Thirdly, the preservation of "all flesh, wherein is the breath of life" emphasizes the **Sanctity of Life** and God's intrinsic value for His creation, even amidst a global judgment. Finally, the Ark itself serves as a profound symbol of **Salvation and Judgment**, providing refuge for the righteous and a remnant of life while the world outside faces divine wrath, a theme echoed throughout the biblical narrative of redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** (H1320) This term refers to the physical body of living beings, encompassing humans and animals. In this context, "all flesh" signifies every living creature that has physical substance and is distinct from plant life or inanimate objects. Its use here emphasizes the universality of the preservation effort, covering all land-dwelling, air-breathing animals, underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's plan.
* **breath (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** (H7307) Derived from a root meaning "wind," this word denotes a sensible exhalation, like breath, but also extends figuratively to life, spirit, or even anger. In the phrase "breath of life," *rûwach* specifically refers to the vital force, the animating principle that sustains life, akin to the air drawn into the lungs. Its presence indicates a living, breathing creature, distinguishing it from those that would perish in the flood.
* **life (Hebrew, _chay'_): (H2416) This word signifies being "alive" and encompasses various aspects of vitality, existence, and living things. When paired with *rûwach* ("breath"), it forms the crucial phrase "breath of life," which defines the category of creatures that possess vital animation and are thus subject to the flood's judgment or the Ark's preservation. It points to the intrinsic quality of being a living creature, endowed with the capacity for existence by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they went in unto Noah into the ark,"**: This clause describes the miraculous movement of the animals. The Hebrew verb "went in" (וַיָּבֹאוּ, *vayyavo'u*) is in the third person plural, active, but the context strongly implies a divine impetus rather than Noah's active herding. The animals are not captured or coerced; they arrive willingly and orderly, drawn by God's sovereign hand. This highlights God's absolute control over creation and His meticulous orchestration of events to fulfill His purposes. The phrase "unto Noah" signifies their arrival at Noah's designated place of refuge, acknowledging his role as the human agent in God's plan.
* **"two and two of all flesh,"**: This specifies the precise manner and scope of the animals' entry. "Two and two" (שְׁנַיִם שְׁנַיִם, *shnayim shnayim*) indicates pairs, emphasizing the male and female for procreation, ensuring the continuation of species. While [Genesis 7:2](/genesis/7-2 "God's Instructions for Animals Entering the Ark") clarifies that clean animals and birds entered in sevens, this general statement in verse 15 provides the overarching principle of preservation by pairs. "All flesh" refers to every kind of land-dwelling animal, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the preservation effort, demonstrating God's desire to maintain the diversity of His creation.
* **"wherein [is] the breath of life."**: This crucial phrase defines the category of creatures being preserved. "Breath of life" (רוּחַ חַיִּים, *ruach chayyim*) is a direct echo of the language used in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "God Breathes Life into Adam") regarding the creation of humanity. It signifies living beings that possess vital breath, distinguishing them from plants or inanimate objects. This theological marker emphasizes that the flood's judgment is specifically upon those creatures endowed with this animating principle, and only those within the Ark would retain it, highlighting the universality of the judgment and the exclusivity of the Ark as the means of survival.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 7:15 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the Ark itself functions as a powerful symbol of divine salvation and refuge amidst judgment. It represents God's provision for those He chooses to preserve from destruction. The phrase "breath of life" acts as a recurring **Motif**, echoing its first appearance in the creation account. This repetition emphasizes the divine origin and preciousness of life, making the preservation of these breathing creatures a profound act of God's grace. Furthermore, the passive phrasing "they went in" (rather than "Noah gathered them") demonstrates **Divine Agency**, underscoring God's direct involvement and sovereign control over creation, a subtle yet powerful rhetorical choice that highlights His omnipotence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 7:15 is a profound theological statement, illustrating God's meticulous care for His creation and His unwavering commitment to His divine plans, even in the midst of impending judgment. It powerfully demonstrates the efficacy of divine orchestration, showcasing how God sovereignly brings about His purposes without human intervention, compelling even the wild beasts to obey His will. This act of preservation underscores God's deep value for life and His intention to maintain a remnant, setting the stage for a new beginning and the establishment of the Noahic Covenant. It highlights that even in judgment, God's character is marked by grace and a commitment to the continuity of His created order.

* [Genesis 9:9-11](/genesis/9-9-11 "God's Covenant with Noah and All Living Creatures")
* [1 Peter 3:20-21](/1_peter/3-20-21 "Baptism as an Antitype of Noah's Ark")
* [Matthew 24:37-39](/matthew/24-37-39 "The Days of Noah as a Sign of the End Times")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 7:15 offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, assuring believers that His plans will always come to fruition, regardless of human circumstances or resistance. Just as the animals were supernaturally drawn to the Ark for salvation, so too are humanity drawn by divine grace to find refuge in God's appointed means of deliverance. This verse calls us to trust in God's providential care, even when the world around us seems to be in chaos or facing judgment. Furthermore, the meticulous preservation of "all flesh, wherein is the breath of life" reinforces the biblical truth of the sanctity of all life, prompting us to value and protect the lives of others, recognizing them as precious gifts from our Creator. It encourages us to live in faithful obedience, like Noah, knowing that God is faithful to those who respond to His call and prepare for His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine orchestration of the animals' entry into the Ark challenge my understanding of God's active involvement in the world today?**
* **In what ways can I, like Noah, demonstrate unwavering faith and obedience to God's commands, even when they seem daunting or counter-cultural?**
* **Considering the emphasis on "the breath of life," how does this verse deepen my appreciation for the sanctity of all life and influence my actions towards creation and humanity?**

### FAQ
**Did Noah have to actively gather all the animals, or did they come on their own?**

Answer: The text states, "And they went in unto Noah into the ark," which strongly implies a divine impulse or supernatural drawing of the animals to the Ark, rather than Noah's strenuous efforts to capture or herd them. While Noah certainly prepared the Ark and facilitated their entry (e.g., building ramps, opening doors), the primary agency for their arrival was God's orchestration, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over creation and His ability to bring about His will without human intervention. This miraculous gathering highlights God's meticulous care for His creation and His precise execution of His plan, as also indicated in [Genesis 6:20](/genesis/6-20 "God's Command to Noah to Bring Animals into the Ark").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Ark, as depicted in Genesis 7:15, stands as a profound prefigurement of Jesus Christ, our ultimate refuge and salvation from the world's judgment. Just as the animals were supernaturally drawn to the Ark for preservation from the flood, so too is humanity drawn by the Holy Spirit to Christ, who is the "door" through whom we must enter to find eternal life and escape the coming wrath ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "Jesus as the Door")). The Ark provided the sole means of salvation for all life "wherein is the breath of life," similarly, Christ is the exclusive means of salvation for all who believe, offering spiritual life and deliverance from the judgment of sin ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Salvation is Found in No One Else")). The divine compulsion for the animals to enter the Ark foreshadows the gracious drawing of God that leads sinners to repentance and faith in Christ, for "no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" ([John 6:44](/john/6-44 "No One Can Come to Jesus Unless Drawn by the Father")). In Christ, we find not just temporary preservation but eternal life, fulfilling the promise of a new creation and a lasting covenant, far surpassing the temporary deliverance offered by the Ark ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")).

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

Isaiah 11:6

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

Genesis 6:19

And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every [sort] shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep [them] alive with thee; they shall be male and female.

Genesis 6:20

Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every [sort] shall come unto thee, to keep [them] alive.