Genesis 8:17

Bring forth with thee every living thing that [is] with thee, of all flesh, [both] of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.

Bring forth {H3318} with thee every living thing {H2416} that is with thee, of all flesh {H1320}, both of fowl {H5775}, and of cattle {H929}, and of every creeping thing {H7431} that creepeth {H7430} upon the earth {H776}; that they may breed abundantly {H8317} in the earth {H776}, and be fruitful {H6509}, and multiply {H7235} upon the earth {H776}.

Bring out with you every living thing you have with you — birds, livestock and every animal that creeps on the earth — so that they can swarm on the earth, be fruitful and multiply on the earth.”

Bring out all the living creatures that are with you—birds, livestock, and everything that crawls upon the ground—so that they can spread out over the earth and be fruitful and multiply upon it.”

Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee of all flesh, both birds, and cattle, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.

Commentary

Genesis 8:17 records God's explicit instructions to Noah as the ark's inhabitants prepare to disembark after the Great Flood. This verse marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, signifying the beginning of the earth's repopulation and the restoration of life.

Context

Following the devastating global flood, the waters had receded, and the ark had come to rest on the mountains of Ararat. After sending out birds to test the conditions and God remembered Noah and all the living creatures with him. Genesis 8:17 is part of God's direct command for Noah to release all the animals from the ark, reversing the previous command to bring them into the ark. This instruction is crucial for the renewal of life on the cleansed earth, ensuring the continuity of species.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mandate for Life: God's command here underscores His sovereign will for life to continue and thrive. He is actively involved in the restoration process after judgment, demonstrating His care for creation.
  • Repopulation and Restoration: The primary purpose of releasing the animals is for them to "breed abundantly" and "be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth." This highlights God's design for a vibrant, flourishing creation, filling the earth once more.
  • God's Faithfulness: This verse is a testament to God's commitment to preserve life and fulfill His purposes, even after a cataclysmic event. He provides the means for the earth to be replenished, upholding His covenant with creation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "be fruitful, and multiply" (Hebrew: pru u'rvu - פְּרוּ וּרְבוּ) is highly significant. It echoes the original creation mandate given to humanity and animals in Genesis 1:28. The repetition of this command to Noah in this verse and again in Genesis 9:1 emphasizes its importance as a foundational principle for life on earth after the flood. It signifies a divine blessing and an imperative for procreation and abundance, ensuring the continuity of life on the planet.

Practical Application

Genesis 8:17 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • New Beginnings: Even after periods of destruction or difficulty, God provides opportunities for new beginnings and growth. Noah's release of the animals symbolizes a fresh start for the earth, reminding us that God can bring renewal out of desolation.
  • Stewardship of Creation: Noah was tasked with bringing the animals out and facilitating their repopulation, implying a responsibility for the care and flourishing of God's creation. This principle of stewardship continues to apply to humanity today.
  • God's Enduring Plan: The verse reminds us that God's overarching plan for life to be abundant and to fill the earth persists through all circumstances, demonstrating His power and grace in preserving and restoring His creation.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 1:22 (7 votes)

    And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.

  • Jeremiah 31:27 (5 votes)

    ¶ Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast.

  • Jeremiah 31:28 (5 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, [that] like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.

  • Genesis 9:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.

  • Psalms 107:38 (4 votes)

    He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.

  • Genesis 1:28 (3 votes)

    And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

  • Genesis 9:7 (2 votes)

    And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.