Genesis 7:9

KJV

There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah.

KJV (with Strong's)

There went in {H935} two {H8147} and two {H8147} unto Noah {H5146} into the ark {H8392}, the male {H2145} and the female {H5347}, as {H834} God {H430} had commanded {H6680} Noah {H5146}.

Complete Jewish Bible

couples, male and female, went in to Noach in the ark, as God had ordered Noach.

Berean Standard Bible

came to Noah to enter the ark, two by two, male and female, as God had commanded Noah.

American Standard Version

there went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, male and female, as God commanded Noah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Meticulously details the miraculous and divinely orchestrated entry of all animal kinds, specifically "two and two, the male and the female," into Noah's Ark, in precise fulfillment of God's explicit command. This pivotal verse underscores the absolute sovereignty of God over His creation, Noah's unwavering and meticulous obedience, and God's merciful yet just intent to preserve life amidst the impending global judgment, setting the stage for a new beginning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic and somber narrative of the Great Flood, a cataclysmic event designed by God to cleanse the earth of its pervasive wickedness and violence, as detailed in [Genesis 6:5-7](/genesis/6-5-7 "God's grief over human wickedness and decision to flood the earth"). Following God's decision to destroy all living things, Noah, uniquely found righteous in a corrupt generation, was chosen to build an ark and preserve a remnant of life. Prior to this, God had given Noah remarkably detailed instructions regarding the ark's construction ([Genesis 6:14-16](/genesis/6-14-16 "God's instructions for building the Ark")) and the mandate to bring living creatures into it ([Genesis 6:19-20](/genesis/6-19-20 "God's command for animals to enter the Ark")). [Genesis 7:9](/genesis/7-9 "The entry of animals into Noah's Ark") serves as a crucial narrative pivot, confirming the precise execution of these commands just before the floodwaters begin, emphasizing the divine orchestration of the animals' arrival and Noah's complete faithfulness. The preceding verses in [Genesis 7](/genesis/7 "Noah and the Flood") describe the final preparations, including the specific numbers of clean and unclean animals ([Genesis 7:2-3](/genesis/7-2-3 "Clean and unclean animals entering the Ark")), culminating in the animals' entry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East (ANE) abounds with flood narratives, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Atrahasis Epic. However, the biblical account in [Genesis 6-9](/genesis/6-9 "The Flood Narrative") stands apart in its monotheistic framework, moral emphasis, and the unique character of God. Unlike the capricious deities of ANE myths, the God of Israel acts with righteous judgment against human sin and violence, demonstrating both justice and mercy. The concept of a global flood was not alien to ancient peoples, but the biblical narrative presents it as a direct, purposeful act of the one true God. The societal context was one of profound moral decay, where "every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" ([Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Humanity's pervasive wickedness")). Noah's obedience, therefore, stands in stark contrast to the prevailing rebellion, highlighting the importance of covenant faithfulness in a world steeped in idolatry and violence. The mention of "male and female" also reflects the fundamental understanding of biological reproduction necessary for the continuation of life, a concept universally understood in ancient cultures.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 7:9](/genesis/7-9 "The entry of animals into Noah's Ark") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, as God actively orchestrates the miraculous gathering of animals, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and His meticulous plan for preservation. Another key theme is **Human Obedience as a Path to Salvation**, exemplified by Noah's unwavering adherence to God's seemingly impossible commands, echoing the repeated affirmation that "Noah did everything just as God commanded him" ([Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Noah's complete obedience") and [Genesis 7:5](/genesis/7-5 "Noah's obedience before the Flood")). This verse also highlights **God's Care for All Creation**, as He ensures the preservation of every animal kind, not just humanity, underscoring His intention for the continuation of life and the biodiversity of the earth. Finally, it reinforces the themes of **Judgment and Preservation**, where God's righteous judgment against sin is met with His merciful provision for a remnant, marking a new beginning for humanity and creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 7:9](/genesis/7-9 "The entry of animals into Noah's Ark") describes the precise and miraculous moment when the diverse animal kingdom converged upon the Ark, a profound testament to both divine power and human faithfulness. The verse paints a vivid picture of an orderly procession, directly fulfilling God's prior instructions to Noah.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went in (Hebrew, _bôwʼ'_):** This verb (H935) signifies a movement of entering or coming. In this context, it carries a strong implication of supernatural agency. The animals did not need to be hunted or gathered by Noah; rather, they "went in" themselves, implying a divine impulse or leading that drew them to the Ark. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over His creation, compelling even wild beasts to obey His will for the preservation of life.
* **male (Hebrew, _zâkâr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "remembered" or "noteworthy" (H2145), this term specifically denotes the male sex of humans or animals. Its inclusion here, paired with "female," emphasizes God's intention for the continuation of species after the Flood. The preservation of breeding pairs ensured the repopulation of the earth, demonstrating God's foresight and commitment to the future of His creation.
* **female (Hebrew, _nᵉqêbâh'_):** This term (H5347) specifically refers to the female sex, often derived from a root related to "piercing" or "form," indicating the sexual form. Its pairing with "male" in this verse underscores the biological necessity for reproduction and the comprehensive nature of God's preservation plan, ensuring that no "kind" would be lost.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun (H430), used with a singular verb, refers to the supreme God. Its presence here is crucial, identifying the ultimate authority and source of the command. It emphasizes that the entire event, from the command to the miraculous gathering of animals, was orchestrated by the divine, sovereign Creator.
* **commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This primitive root (H6680) means "to constitute" or "enjoin," signifying a forceful and authoritative directive. The use of this word underscores the imperative nature of God's instructions to Noah. It was not a suggestion but a divine decree, highlighting Noah's complete and faithful obedience to a direct, specific, and non-negotiable divine mandate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark":** This phrase highlights the miraculous and divinely orchestrated nature of the event. The passive construction, "there went in," strongly suggests that the animals were not gathered by human effort but were supernaturally compelled or guided to the Ark. The repetition of "two and two" (Hebrew: _shenayim shenayim_) is a distributive plural, emphasizing the meticulous pairing of each kind of animal, underscoring the precise and orderly nature of their entry. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over His creation, compelling even wild beasts to obey His will for the preservation of life.
* **"the male and the female":** This specification underscores God's intention for the continuation of species after the Flood. By preserving breeding pairs, God ensured the repopulation of the earth, demonstrating His foresight and commitment to the future of His creation. While [Genesis 7:2](/genesis/7-2 "God's command for clean and unclean animals") specifies seven pairs for clean animals and two for unclean, [Genesis 7:9](/genesis/7-9 "The entry of animals into Noah's Ark") provides a general summary, emphasizing the fundamental male-female pairing for all kinds as the biological basis for their survival and future propagation.
* **"as God had commanded Noah":** This concluding phrase is central to the verse's meaning and serves as a powerful affirmation of Noah's complete and faithful obedience. It echoes [Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Noah's complete obedience"), which states, "Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he," and is reiterated throughout the flood narrative (e.g., [Genesis 7:5](/genesis/7-5 "Noah's obedience to God's command")). This repeated emphasis reinforces the theme that Noah's salvation, and the preservation of life, was directly contingent upon his unwavering adherence to divine instructions. His faithfulness was not merely in building the Ark, but in meticulously following every detail, including the miraculous gathering and pairing of animals.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is evident in the recurring phrase "as God had commanded Noah" (or similar variations) throughout the flood narrative, emphasizing Noah's consistent and unwavering obedience, which is foundational to his role in God's redemptive plan. This repetition underscores the divine authority behind the instructions and the human faithfulness in their execution. The phrase "There went in" uses a **Divine Passive**, implying that the action was not initiated by Noah but by God Himself, who supernaturally guided the animals. This device highlights God's absolute **Sovereignty** over creation, demonstrating His power to compel nature to His will. Furthermore, the Ark itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's provision of salvation amidst judgment, a vessel of new creation and hope in the face of universal destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 7:9](/genesis/7-9 "The entry of animals into Noah's Ark") profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in His creation, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and meticulous providence. The miraculous assembly of animals, without human intervention, underscores that God is not a distant deity but one who orchestrates the smallest details to accomplish His grand purposes. This verse also highlights the critical theological principle that salvation is often contingent upon obedient faith. Noah's unwavering adherence to God's specific and seemingly impossible commands, even in the face of widespread unbelief, serves as a powerful example of how obedience is a fundamental aspect of faith and the means by which God brings about His redemptive plan. Moreover, God's comprehensive care for all His creation is evident in the preservation of male and female pairs of every animal kind, revealing His intention for the continuation of life and the rich biodiversity of the earth.

* [Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Noah's Obedience")
* [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's Blessing and Command to Noah After the Flood")
* [Hebrews 11:7](/hebrews/11-7 "Noah's Faith and Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 7:9](/genesis/7-9 "The entry of animals into Noah's Ark") offers profound lessons for believers today, primarily emphasizing the vital importance of obedience to God's revealed will. Just as Noah meticulously followed every divine instruction, even when the task seemed overwhelming or the logic unclear, we are called to trust and obey God's Word in our lives, recognizing that His commands are always for our good and His glory. This verse also encourages us to trust in God's sovereign provision; the miraculous way the animals entered the Ark teaches us that God will accomplish His purposes, often in ways beyond our comprehension, and we can rest assured in His mighty hand to provide for His plans. Furthermore, God's deep care for all creation, evident in the preservation of every animal kind, reminds us of our own responsibility as stewards of the earth and its creatures, reflecting God's concern for the natural world and prompting us to participate in its care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to a deeper level of trust and obedience, even when the path seems unclear or challenging?**
* **How does the miraculous nature of the animals' entry into the Ark strengthen your faith in God's ability to provide for and accomplish His purposes in your life?**
* **Considering God's care for all creation, what practical steps can you take to be a better steward of the natural world around you?**

### FAQ

**How did the animals "go in" to the ark without Noah gathering them?**

Answer: The text states, "There went in," implying a supernatural or divinely orchestrated event. It is understood that God supernaturally compelled or guided the animals to the Ark, rather than Noah having to hunt, capture, or herd them. This highlights God's sovereign control over His creation and the miraculous nature of the event, demonstrating His power to bring about His will through extraordinary means. This divine intervention underscores that the preservation of life was entirely God's doing, not merely a human feat.

**Why were the animals paired "two and two" if some were clean and others unclean?**

Answer: [Genesis 7:9](/genesis/7-9 "The entry of animals into Noah's Ark") provides a general summary, emphasizing the fundamental pairing of "male and female" for the purpose of preservation and repopulation. Earlier in [Genesis 7:2](/genesis/7-2 "God's command for clean and unclean animals"), God specified that Noah was to take seven pairs of clean animals and two pairs of unclean animals. The "two and two" in [Genesis 7:9](/genesis/7-9 "The entry of animals into Noah's Ark") serves as a general statement of the minimum requirement for all kinds to ensure their survival and continuation, while the more detailed instruction in [Genesis 7:2](/genesis/7-2 "God's command for clean and unclean animals") accounts for the need for clean animals for sacrifice and greater propagation after the Flood.

**What is the significance of the phrase "as God had commanded Noah"?**

Answer: This phrase is crucial as it underscores Noah's unwavering obedience and faithfulness to God's detailed instructions. It emphasizes that the entire event, including the gathering of the animals, was not a human endeavor but a direct fulfillment of divine command. It highlights Noah's exemplary trust in God and the precision with which God's will was carried out. This repeated affirmation throughout the flood narrative (e.g., [Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Noah's complete obedience") and [Genesis 7:5](/genesis/7-5 "Noah's obedience to God's command")) serves to establish Noah as a paradigm of righteous obedience, a key theme in the biblical narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 7:9](/genesis/7-9 "The entry of animals into Noah's Ark"), with its depiction of the Ark as a divinely appointed vessel of salvation amidst global judgment, powerfully foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Ark provided the sole means of escape from the devastating flood, Jesus Christ is the exclusive means of salvation from God's righteous judgment against sin, as declared in [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Salvation through no other name"). Noah's perfect obedience, evidenced by his meticulous adherence to God's commands regarding the Ark and its inhabitants, prefigures the perfect obedience of Christ, who "became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")). The preservation of life through the Ark, ensuring a new beginning for creation, points to the new creation and eternal life offered to those who are "in Christ" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")), where believers are saved from the wrath to come ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Saved from Wrath Through Christ")) and brought into a new covenant reality through His atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). The orderly entry of the animals, guided by God's unseen hand, also speaks to the divine orchestration of salvation, where God draws people to Himself through the Spirit ([John 6:44](/john/6-44 "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him")).

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 2:19

And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought [them] unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that [was] the name thereof.

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.

Isaiah 11:9

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 65:25

The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust [shall be] the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

Genesis 7:16

And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Jeremiah 8:7

Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.