Genesis 7:3

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

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}.

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

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.

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

Context of Genesis 7:3

Genesis 7:3 is part of the pivotal narrative detailing God's instructions to Noah concerning the impending global flood. Following God's declaration to destroy all living creatures because of humanity's pervasive wickedness (Genesis 6:7), Noah is commanded to build an ark and gather representatives of all animal life. This specific verse elaborates on the precise number of birds, stating "of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female." This instruction immediately follows the command in Genesis 7:2 to take clean animals by sevens and unclean animals by two, setting the stage for the preservation of life and the post-flood world.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Preservation: The primary purpose stated is "to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth." This highlights God's meticulous plan to preserve creation, not allowing His judgment to result in total annihilation. Even in wrath, there is a provision for future life and a new beginning.
  • God's Specificity and Noah's Obedience: The detailed instructions regarding the number of animals (sevens for clean animals and birds, two for unclean) underscore God's precise commands. Noah's faithfulness in executing these instructions, as noted throughout the flood account, is a testament to his righteousness and walk with God.
  • Distinction of Animals: The instruction for "sevens" for birds (and clean animals) is significant. It is widely understood that these additional pairs were intended for sacrifice after the flood (Genesis 8:20) and potentially for human consumption, distinguishing them from the two-by-two pairing for unclean animals.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "by sevens" translates the Hebrew ืฉึดืื‘ึฐืขึธื” ืฉึดืื‘ึฐืขึธื” (*shiv'ah shiv'ah*), which is an emphatic repetition of the number seven, signifying seven pairs (14 individuals) or seven males and seven females, clearly distinguishing them from the single pair (two individuals) of the unclean animals. The phrase "to keep seed alive" comes from ืœึฐื—ึทื™ึผื•ึนืช ื–ึถืจึทืข (*lechayyot zera*), literally "to cause seed to live," emphasizing the divine purpose of sustaining life and ensuring the continuation of species on earth.

Practical Application

Genesis 7:3 reminds us of several enduring truths:

  • God's Sovereignty and Care: Even in moments of severe judgment, God's ultimate plan includes preservation and redemption. He is deeply invested in sustaining life and ensuring a future.
  • The Importance of Obedience: Noah's diligent adherence to God's specific and seemingly unusual instructions was crucial for the salvation of humanity and animal life. This highlights the blessings that flow from simple obedience to divine commands.
  • Stewardship of Creation: The detailed care God shows for every species, down to specific numbers, underscores the value of all life to Him. This should inspire humanity's own responsibility to be good stewards of the earth and its creatures, reflecting God's own heart for His creation.
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Cross-References

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