Genesis 7:3

KJV

Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of fowls {H5775} also of the air {H8064} by sevens {H7651}{H7651}, the male {H2145} and the female {H5347}; to keep {H2421} seed {H2233} alive {H2421} upon the face {H6440} of all the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

also of the birds in the air take seven couples — in order to preserve their species throughout the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

and seven pairs of every kind of bird of the air, male and female, to preserve their offspring on the face of all the earth.

American Standard Version

of the birds also of the heavens, seven and seven, male and female, to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 7:3 provides a crucial detail in God's instructions to Noah for preserving life before the global flood, specifically commanding the inclusion of clean birds in groups of seven pairs (or fourteen individuals), male and female. This meticulous directive underscores God's sovereign plan for the continuation of all species, ensuring that "seed" would be kept alive to repopulate the earth after the cataclysmic judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 7:3 is situated within the climactic narrative of the flood, immediately following God's specific commands to Noah regarding the animals to be brought into the ark. [Genesis 7:1](/genesis/7-1 "God's command to Noah to enter the ark") initiates the final call for Noah and his family to enter, while [Genesis 7:2](/genesis/7-2 "Instructions for clean and unclean animals") distinguishes between clean animals (taken by sevens) and unclean animals (taken by twos). Verse 3 extends this distinction to "fowls of the air," clarifying that they too, particularly the clean ones, are to be taken by sevens. This detailed instruction highlights God's meticulous planning and Noah's precise obedience, setting the stage for the global deluge described in [Genesis 7:17-24](/genesis/7-17-24 "The Flood Waters Prevail"). The subsequent narrative in [Genesis 8:20](/genesis/8-20 "Noah's post-flood sacrifice") reveals Noah's offering of clean animals and birds, which explains the necessity of the larger number.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a global flood and the preservation of life on an ark is not unique to the biblical narrative, with parallels found in ancient Near Eastern flood accounts like the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Atrahasis Epic. However, the biblical account in Genesis distinguishes itself by its monotheistic framework, the moral culpability of humanity as the cause of the flood, and God's righteous character as both judge and preserver. The distinction between "clean" and "unclean" animals, though not fully codified until the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Dietary Laws for Clean and Unclean Animals")), appears here as an early divine category, likely related to cultic purity and suitability for sacrifice. The number "seven" (Hebrew: *shebaʻ*) holds significant symbolic weight in ancient Israelite culture, often representing completeness, perfection, or divine fullness, reinforcing the meticulous and comprehensive nature of God's preservation plan.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 7:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation, judgment, and the meticulous preservation of life, even in the face of widespread corruption. The verse also highlights **God's Meticulous Care for Creation**, revealing His profound value for all forms of life, down to specific numbers and genders, ensuring the continuation of species. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Judgment and Grace**, where the flood represents divine judgment on sin, while the ark and the preservation of life within it embody God's grace and provision for a new beginning. Finally, Noah's faithful adherence to these detailed commands, including those for the birds, reinforces the theme of **Obedience as a Pathway to Blessing and Preservation**, as seen in [Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Noah's obedience to God's commands").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 7:3 provides a crucial detail in God's elaborate plan for preserving life during the global deluge. The verse specifies the number of birds to be taken into the ark, distinguishing them from other animals by their quantity and purpose.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sevens (Hebrew, _shebaʻ'_ H7651):** This word, repeated twice in the Hebrew text (`שִׁבְעָה שִׁבְעָה`), is an emphatic numerical designation, meaning "seven by seven." It signifies a total of fourteen individuals (seven pairs) of each clean bird species. The number seven is deeply symbolic in biblical numerology, often representing completeness, perfection, or divine fullness. In this context, it underscores the comprehensive and sufficient provision for both repopulation and post-flood sacrificial offerings.
* **male (Hebrew, _zâkâr'_ H2145) and female (Hebrew, _nᵉqêbâh'_ H5347):** These terms explicitly denote the requirement for breeding pairs. The inclusion of both sexes for each species is fundamental to the divine purpose of "keeping seed alive," ensuring the biological capacity for procreation and the continuation of life after the flood. This detail highlights God's foresight and commitment to the perpetuation of His created order.
* **keep alive (Hebrew, _châyâh'_ H2421):** Derived from a root meaning "to live" or "to revive," this verb emphasizes the divine intention behind the ark's mission. It signifies God's active preservation and sustenance of life. Even in the midst of judgment, God's ultimate purpose is not total annihilation but the safeguarding of a remnant to ensure the continuity of His creation. This word underscores God's life-giving power and His commitment to His original creative intent.
* **seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_ H2233):** This term refers to offspring, progeny, or descendants. In the context of animals, it means their reproductive capacity and the continuation of their species. The phrase "to keep seed alive" encapsulates the overarching goal of the ark project: to preserve the genetic and reproductive potential of all animal life, ensuring that the earth would be repopulated and flourish once again.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female;":** This clause specifies the particular category of animals—birds (fowls of the air)—and the precise quantity and gender distribution for their inclusion in the ark. The "sevens" (or seven pairs) for birds, mirroring the instruction for clean animals in [Genesis 7:2](/genesis/7-2 "Instructions for clean and unclean animals"), indicates a greater number than the "two by two" for unclean animals. This surplus was crucial for two primary reasons: first, to provide a sufficient number for the burnt offerings Noah would make after the flood ([Genesis 8:20](/genesis/8-20 "Noah's post-flood sacrifice")), and second, to ensure a robust breeding stock for the rapid repopulation of the earth and potentially for human sustenance in the post-flood world ([Genesis 9:3](/genesis/9-3 "God's permission for human consumption of meat")). The explicit mention of "the male and the female" confirms the biological necessity for procreation.
* **"to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.":** This concluding phrase articulates the ultimate divine purpose behind these meticulous instructions. God's overarching goal was not merely to destroy, but to preserve. The phrase "to keep seed alive" (Hebrew: *lechayyot zera*) literally means "to cause offspring to live" or "to preserve progeny." It highlights God's sovereign intent to maintain the continuity of His created order, ensuring that life would not be utterly extinguished. This demonstrates God's active involvement in sustaining His creation and His commitment to His original creative design, even in the face of widespread corruption and judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Precision** and **Detail** are paramount, as God's instructions are meticulously laid out, emphasizing the exact numbers and genders required for each species. This precision highlights the divine authorship of the plan and the critical nature of Noah's obedience. The **Repetition** of "sevens" in the Hebrew text (`שִׁבְעָה שִׁבְעָה`) serves as an emphatic reinforcement of the quantity, underscoring its importance for the dual purposes of sacrifice and repopulation. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Divine Command**, a direct imperative from God to Noah, revealing God's absolute authority and Noah's role as a faithful executor of the divine will. The entire narrative surrounding the ark can also be seen as **Symbolism**, where the ark itself symbolizes salvation and new beginnings amidst judgment, and the preservation of "seed" represents the enduring nature of God's covenant promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 7:3 profoundly illustrates God's intricate involvement in His creation, His righteous judgment, and His enduring commitment to life. It reveals a God who is sovereign over all things, meticulously orchestrating the preservation of life even as He executes judgment upon sin. This selective preservation underscores God's grace, providing a remnant through whom creation can be renewed and His redemptive purposes advanced. The distinction between clean and unclean animals, and the varying numbers, subtly points to a future covenant relationship where humanity would interact with God through sacrifice, foreshadowing the need for atonement and a renewed relationship.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Cultural Mandate") - God's original command to humanity to "be fruitful and multiply," which this preservation effort enables for the post-flood world.
* [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's blessing and command to Noah after the flood") - God reiterates the command to "be fruitful and multiply" to Noah and his sons after the flood, confirming the purpose of the preserved "seed."
* [Psalm 36:6](/psalm/36-6 "God preserves man and beast") - "Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord." This psalm reflects God's care for both humanity and animals, echoing the preservation seen in Genesis 7:3.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 7:3 invites us to contemplate the profound depths of God's character: His meticulous care, His unwavering purpose, and His sovereign power over life and death. In a world often marked by chaos and despair, this verse reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of His creation, orchestrating even the most challenging circumstances for His redemptive ends. It compels us to trust in His providence, knowing that His plans for preservation and new beginnings are far-reaching and intentional. Furthermore, Noah's precise obedience to seemingly extraordinary commands challenges us to consider our own faithfulness in following God's directives, even when they appear unconventional or demand great sacrifice. This passage also implicitly calls us to a renewed sense of **stewardship** over the natural world, recognizing that if God so meticulously cared for the "seed" of every creature, we too are responsible for cherishing and preserving the biodiversity of His creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in preserving the "seed" of creation challenge your understanding of His providence in your own life?**
* **What does the distinction between "sevens" for clean birds and "twos" for unclean animals reveal about God's future intentions for humanity's relationship with Him through sacrifice?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "keep seed alive"—to preserve, nurture, or begin something new—even amidst challenging circumstances?**
* **How can the example of Noah's obedience to seemingly unconventional commands inspire your own walk of faith and trust in God's specific instructions?**

### FAQ
**Why were birds taken by sevens, like clean animals?**

Answer: Birds, particularly certain species, were considered clean and suitable for sacrifice. The "sevens" provision, as with other clean animals, allowed for a sufficient number for burnt offerings to God after the flood, as seen in [Genesis 8:20](/genesis/8-20 "Noah's post-flood sacrifice"). This larger number also ensured a more robust breeding stock for repopulation and potentially for human consumption in the post-flood world, distinguishing them from the two-by-two pairing for unclean animals and highlighting God's comprehensive plan for the renewal of life on earth.

**Does "to keep seed alive" imply God needed help preserving life?**

Answer: No, "to keep seed alive" does not imply a limitation of God's omnipotence. Rather, it emphasizes God's chosen *method* of preservation through Noah's obedience and the ark. It highlights His sovereign decision to work through human agents in fulfilling His plan to sustain life and ensure the continuation of species on earth. This demonstrates His providential care and the co-working of divine will with human responsibility, showcasing that God often accomplishes His grand purposes through the faithful actions of His people, even when He could act unilaterally.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preservation of "seed" in Genesis 7:3, ensuring life's continuity through the ark, profoundly foreshadows Christ's ultimate role as the divine Preserver and Source of new life. Just as God provided a means of salvation through Noah's obedient construction of the ark amidst a world-destroying judgment, so Jesus Christ is the true Ark, offering salvation and spiritual life to all who enter into Him by faith ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God so loved the world")). He is the promised "seed" of the woman ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium")), through whom God's redemptive plan is fulfilled, guaranteeing not merely the continuation of physical species, but the eternal preservation and new creation of a people for Himself ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")). Through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, a new humanity is brought forth, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to life and redemption, ultimately culminating in a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "New Heavens and New Earth")).

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.