Genesis 7:8

KJV

Of clean beasts, and of beasts that [are] not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth,

KJV (with Strong's)

Of clean {H2889} beasts {H929}, and of beasts {H929} that are not clean {H2889}, and of fowls {H5775}, and of every thing that creepeth {H7430} upon the earth {H127},

Complete Jewish Bible

Of clean animals, of animals that are not clean, of birds, and of everything that creeps on the ground,

Berean Standard Bible

The clean and unclean animals, the birds, and everything that crawls along the ground

American Standard Version

Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of birds, and of everything that creepeth upon the ground,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 7:8 meticulously details the various categories of animals—clean, unclean, fowls, and creeping things—that entered Noah's Ark, underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's divine plan to preserve all terrestrial life through the impending global Flood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic narrative of the Flood, specifically detailing the fulfillment of God's commands to Noah. Preceding it, God has given Noah explicit instructions regarding the Ark's construction and the precise numbers of animals to bring aboard ([Genesis 6:19-20](/genesis/6-19-20 "God's Instructions for the Ark and its Inhabitants") for general numbers, and [Genesis 7:2-3](/genesis/7-2-3 "Specific Numbers of Clean and Unclean Animals") for the distinction between clean and unclean). This verse, along with [Genesis 7:9](/genesis/7-9 "Animals Entering the Ark in Pairs"), serves as the direct affirmation that these divine commands were faithfully executed, leading immediately into the commencement of the Flood itself in [Genesis 7:10](/genesis/7-10 "The Flood Begins"). It functions as a precise inventory of the life forms being preserved.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the concept of "clean" and "unclean" animals is most extensively codified in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Laws of Clean and Unclean Animals")), its appearance here in the pre-Mosaic narrative of Noah suggests an earlier, perhaps divinely revealed, understanding of such distinctions. This would have been significant for purposes of sacrifice, as seen in Noah's post-Flood offering of clean animals ([Genesis 8:20](/genesis/8-20 "Noah's Post-Flood Sacrifice")). The ancient Near Eastern context often involved various cultic purity laws, and while not directly parallel, the biblical distinction highlights a unique divine standard. The global Flood narrative itself, though unique in its biblical presentation, resonates with widespread ancient flood myths, yet stands apart in its moral and theological emphasis on divine judgment and sovereign preservation.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 7:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Flood narrative and the broader book of Genesis. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Meticulous Providence**, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation and His precise planning for the preservation of life amidst judgment. The distinction between clean and unclean animals, even at this early stage, foreshadows the theme of **Holiness and Separation** that will become central to Israel's identity. Furthermore, the animals' uncoerced entry into the Ark implicitly underscores **Noah's Obedience and Faithfulness**, a foundational theme established in [Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Noah's Obedience") and reiterated throughout the account, as his actions are the direct fulfillment of God's detailed instructions. The comprehensive listing of animal types also emphasizes the **Universal Scope of God's Judgment and Grace**, affecting all terrestrial life while simultaneously extending salvation to a select few.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Clean (Hebrew, _ṭâhôwr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be pure," this word signifies a state of purity, whether physical, ceremonial, or moral. In the context of animals, it denotes suitability for sacrifice and consumption, indicating a divinely established category of animals deemed acceptable or unblemished. Its presence here, prior to the Mosaic Law, suggests an inherent or revealed understanding of purity standards.
* **Beasts (Hebrew, _bᵉhêmâh'_):** This term refers to a "dumb beast," specifically large quadrupeds or animals, often used collectively for cattle or livestock. In this verse, it encompasses land-dwelling animals, distinguishing them from fowls and creeping things, and highlights the comprehensive nature of God's preservation plan for the animal kingdom.
* **Creepeth (Hebrew, _râmas'_):** A primitive root meaning "to glide swiftly" or "to crawl/move with short steps," and by analogy, "to swarm." This term collectively describes smaller, ground-dwelling creatures that move close to the earth, such as reptiles, insects, and small mammals, ensuring that even the most humble forms of terrestrial life were included in God's preservation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of clean beasts, and of beasts that [are] not clean":** This opening phrase immediately establishes a critical distinction among the land animals. The mention of "clean" and "unclean" categories, even before the Mosaic Law, points to an ancient, pre-Sinaitic understanding of ritual purity, likely tied to sacrificial practices (as Noah later sacrifices clean animals in [Genesis 8:20](/genesis/8-20 "Noah's Sacrifice")). God's command for Noah to take seven pairs of clean animals and one pair of unclean animals ([Genesis 7:2](/genesis/7-2 "Instructions for Clean and Unclean Animals")) underscores the divine origin and purpose of this classification, ensuring both the continuation of all species and the availability of suitable animals for worship.
* **"and of fowls":** This refers to all winged creatures, encompassing birds of every kind. The inclusion of "fowls" (Hebrew: *‘ôwph*) demonstrates the breadth of God's preservation plan, extending beyond land-dwelling mammals to include the aerial inhabitants of the earth. This detail reinforces the global scope of the impending judgment, as no part of the terrestrial or aerial ecosystem would be untouched, yet also highlights the comprehensive nature of God's grace in preserving diverse life forms.
* **"and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth":** This phrase, using the Hebrew term *râmas* for "creeping things" and *ʼădâmâh* for "earth," signifies the inclusion of all smaller, ground-dwelling creatures—reptiles, insects, and other small animals that move close to the ground. This final category ensures that the Ark's occupants represent the full spectrum of terrestrial life, from the largest beasts to the smallest creeping creatures. It underscores the meticulous detail of God's instructions and the completeness of Noah's obedience in gathering representatives of every kind of animal, ensuring the continuation of the entire created order.

#### Literary Devices
The enumeration of animal categories in Genesis 7:8 employs **Merism**, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. By listing "clean beasts" and "beasts that are not clean," the text effectively encompasses all types of land animals. This is further expanded by the inclusion of "fowls" and "every thing that creepeth upon the earth," creating a comprehensive **Categorization** that signifies the totality of terrestrial and aerial life. The meticulous detail in naming these distinct groups serves to emphasize the **Completeness** of God's preservation plan and the **Universality** of the Flood's judgment. The animals' uncoerced entry, implied by the simple statement of their coming, also subtly highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, as God orchestrates creation to fulfill His purposes without human intervention, underscoring His power over all living things.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 7:8, in its precise cataloging of the animals entering the Ark, profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His meticulous providence. Even in the face of widespread judgment, God's plan for preservation is detailed and comprehensive, ensuring the continuity of life on earth. The pre-Mosaic distinction between "clean" and "unclean" animals points to an enduring divine standard of purity and suitability for worship, a theme that permeates redemptive history. This verse also implicitly testifies to Noah's unwavering obedience, a foundational act of faith that allowed God's salvific plan to unfold. The comprehensive scope of the animals gathered reflects the universal reach of both God's judgment upon sin and His preserving grace for those he chooses to save.

* [Genesis 6:19-20](/genesis/6-19-20 "God's Command to Bring Animals into the Ark")
* [Genesis 7:2-3](/genesis/7-2-3 "Specific Instructions for Clean and Unclean Animals")
* [Genesis 8:20](/genesis/8-20 "Noah's Sacrifice of Clean Animals After the Flood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 7:8 is more than a mere inventory; it is a profound testament to God's meticulous care and comprehensive providence. In the midst of impending global judgment, God's attention to detail ensures that every creature He intends to preserve is accounted for, from the largest beast to the smallest creeping thing. This level of divine oversight should inspire deep trust in His faithfulness. If God orchestrates the gathering of diverse animal life with such precision for a global event, how much more does He meticulously care for the details of our individual lives and His grand redemptive plan? This verse encourages us to recognize God's sovereignty in seemingly chaotic circumstances and to rest in the assurance that His purposes are always thorough, purposeful, and perfectly executed, even when we cannot fully grasp them. It calls us to respond with the same unwavering obedience and faith that characterized Noah.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in preserving animal life challenge or affirm your understanding of His providence in your own life?**
* **What "clean" and "unclean" distinctions (moral, spiritual, or practical) might God be calling you to recognize and act upon in your daily walk?**
* **In what ways can you emulate Noah's comprehensive obedience in fulfilling God's commands in your life today?**

### FAQ
**Why were animals categorized as 'clean' and 'unclean' before the Mosaic Law?**

Answer: The distinction between "clean" and "unclean" animals, though most famously detailed in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Laws concerning Clean and Unclean Animals")), appears in the biblical narrative prior to Moses, as seen in [Genesis 7:2](/genesis/7-2 "God's Instructions for Clean and Unclean Animals") and [Genesis 8:20](/genesis/8-20 "Noah's Sacrifice of Clean Animals"). This suggests that some form of ritual classification, likely related to suitability for sacrifice or perhaps an early understanding of dietary purity, was already known and practiced by humanity, possibly through direct divine revelation to figures like Noah. It indicates that God's moral and ritual standards were not entirely new at Sinai but had precedents, highlighting a consistent divine expectation for purity and worship throughout redemptive history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Ark, meticulously constructed and filled according to God's precise instructions, serves as a profound type of salvation, foreshadowing the ultimate and complete salvation found in Jesus Christ. Just as the Ark provided the sole means of preservation from the waters of judgment for Noah and all life within, Christ is the exclusive means of salvation from the judgment of sin for all who enter into Him by faith, becoming a new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")). The comprehensive gathering of all categories of animals—clean, unclean, fowls, and creeping things—into the Ark points to the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work, which is sufficient for all humanity, breaking down barriers between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace")). Moreover, Noah's perfect obedience in fulfilling God's commands, ensuring the preservation of life, prefigures Christ's perfect obedience unto death, through which humanity's salvation is secured and eternal life is offered to all who believe ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Obedience of Christ")). The Ark, a vessel of salvation in a world facing judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the one through whom we are saved from the wrath to come ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "Jesus Delivers from Wrath")).

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.