Genesis 9:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} blessed {H1288} Noah {H5146} and his sons {H1121}, and said {H559} unto them, Be fruitful {H6509}, and multiply {H7235}, and replenish {H4390} the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God blessed Noach and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the catastrophic Great Flood, God initiates a new beginning for humanity by directly blessing Noah and his sons. This pivotal moment reiterates the foundational creation mandate for humanity to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth," signifying divine favor, a renewed covenantal relationship, and the enduring purpose for human life to flourish and expand across the globe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's Blessing and Mandate to Noah") immediately follows the account of the Great Flood, a cataclysmic divine judgment that purged the earth of its pervasive wickedness, leaving only Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark as survivors. Having disembarked onto the newly cleansed earth, Noah's first act was to build an altar and offer burnt offerings to the Lord, an act of worship and thanksgiving that pleased God ([Genesis 8:20-21](/genesis/8-20-21 "Noah's Sacrifice and God's Promise")). In response to Noah's sacrifice and as a foundational act for the new world, God speaks directly to Noah and his sons, establishing the parameters for post-Flood human existence. This verse serves as the divine initiation of a new era, directly preceding the establishment of the Noahic Covenant, a promise never again to destroy all life by flood ([Genesis 9:8-17](/genesis/9-8-17 "The Noahic Covenant")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-Flood world, as depicted in Genesis, represents a reset for humanity. While the pre-Flood world was characterized by widespread violence and corruption ([Genesis 6:11-12](/genesis/6-11-12 "The Corruption of Humanity")), God's interaction with Noah establishes a new framework for human society. The command to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" was not merely a biological imperative but a directive for the repopulation and re-establishment of civilization. In the ancient Near East, divine blessings were often associated with fertility and prosperity, and the ability to multiply was seen as a sign of divine favor and a means of ensuring the continuation of a lineage or people. This command, therefore, is deeply rooted in the cultural understanding of divine blessing and human purpose in the ancient world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several key themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Continuity of God's Creation Mandate**, echoing the original command given to Adam and Eve in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The First Creation Mandate"). This demonstrates God's unwavering purpose for humanity to propagate and exercise responsible stewardship over creation, even after profound judgment. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Grace and a New Beginning**, as God, despite humanity's past failures, chooses to bless and empower Noah for a fresh start. Thirdly, it sets the stage for the **Noahic Covenant**, emphasizing God's commitment to preserve life and maintain cosmic order. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Humanity's Purpose and Responsibility** to fill the earth and manage it, laying the groundwork for the development of nations and societies detailed in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "The Table of Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** (H1288) A primitive root meaning "to kneel"; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit). In this context, it signifies God's active impartation of divine favor, power, and enablement for prosperity, fruitfulness, and well-being upon Noah and his sons. It is not merely a wish but a divine act that confers capacity and success in their future endeavors.
* **Be fruitful (Hebrew, _pârâh'_):** (H6509) A primitive root meaning "to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)." Here, it specifically denotes biological fertility and the capacity to produce offspring. It is the divine enablement for procreation, ensuring the continuation and growth of the human race from Noah's family.
* **replenish (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** (H4390) A primitive root meaning "to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)." This word means "to fill" or "to make full." It does not inherently carry the connotation of "re-filling" something that was previously full and then emptied. The command is for Noah's descendants to fill the earth, which was effectively empty of human life after the Flood, establishing their presence and stewardship across the globe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God blessed Noah and his sons,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and favor. It signifies that God is actively bestowing favor and empowering Noah and his family. The blessing is comprehensive, encompassing their physical well-being, their ability to procreate, and their future success in re-establishing human civilization on the earth. It underscores God's benevolent disposition towards humanity, even after the severe judgment of the Flood.
* **"and said unto them,"**: This phrase highlights direct, personal, and authoritative divine communication. God is not merely acting but speaking, conveying His will and commands directly to the progenitors of the post-Flood world. This direct address emphasizes the solemnity and importance of the subsequent mandate, making it a clear and undeniable directive for humanity's future.
* **"Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth."**: This tripartite command is the core of God's directive. It is an imperative, a direct order that echoes the original creation mandate given to Adam and Eve in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The First Creation Mandate"). "Be fruitful" (pârâh) refers to the capacity for procreation. "Multiply" (râbâh) emphasizes the increase in numbers, indicating a rapid and extensive growth of the human population. "Replenish" (mâlêʼ) means to "fill" the earth, signifying the spreading of humanity across the globe to inhabit and steward it. This command underscores God's desire for humanity to thrive, spread, and exercise responsible dominion over the earth, continuing the divine plan for creation despite the devastating judgment that had just occurred.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, as the command to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" directly echoes the creation mandate from [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Creation Mandate"). This repetition emphasizes the enduring nature of God's original purpose for humanity, highlighting continuity despite the cataclysmic Flood. The direct speech from God ("and said unto them") functions as a **Divine Utterance**, lending immense authority and weight to the commands that follow. The entire verse also functions as a **Blessing**, a divine pronouncement of favor and empowerment that sets the stage for the repopulation of the earth and the establishment of a new covenant. Furthermore, the three imperatives ("be fruitful, multiply, replenish") form a **Tricolon**, a rhetorical device that uses three parallel words or phrases to create a sense of completeness and emphasis on the comprehensive nature of the divine command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 9:1 serves as a profound theological statement on God's enduring faithfulness and His sovereign purpose for creation. Even in the aftermath of a global judgment, God's primary intention for humanity remains one of life, growth, and flourishing. The reiteration of the creation mandate demonstrates that God's original design for humanity's role as stewards and procreators on earth is unwavering. This passage underscores that divine blessing is not merely a passive state but an active enablement for humanity to participate in God's ongoing plan for the world, establishing a new beginning rooted in grace and divine command. It highlights God's commitment to the preservation of life and the continuity of His redemptive plan, ensuring that humanity has the capacity to fulfill its purpose.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The First Creation Mandate")
* [Genesis 8:20-22](/genesis/8-20-22 "Noah's Sacrifice and God's Promise")
* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abram")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 9:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's character is marked by enduring faithfulness and a desire for life and flourishing, even in the wake of profound disruption or personal failure. Just as God empowered Noah for a new beginning, He extends grace and purpose to us, enabling us to thrive and contribute to His ongoing work in the world. This passage reinforces the sacredness of human life and the divine call to stewardship, not only in terms of physical procreation and care for the earth but also in spiritual fruitfulness. We are called to "be fruitful" in our character, "multiply" the influence of the Gospel, and "replenish" the spiritual landscape of our communities with God's truth and love. It encourages us to embrace our God-given potential for growth and impact, trusting that His blessings come with the power to fulfill His purposes through us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's reiteration of the creation mandate to Noah, after such a devastating judgment, speak to His enduring faithfulness and purpose for humanity?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, understand and live out the command to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish" in a spiritual sense in our modern context?**
* **How does the concept of God's blessing in this verse empower us to face new beginnings or challenges in our own lives?**

### FAQ
**Does "replenish the earth" imply that the earth was previously emptied and needed to be refilled?**

Answer: While the King James Version's use of "replenish" might suggest re-filling, the original Hebrew word (מָלֵא, _male_) simply means "to fill" or "to make full." The command is for Noah's descendants to fill the earth, which was effectively empty of human life after the Flood, not necessarily to re-fill something that was once full. This aligns with the original mandate given to Adam and Eve in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Creation Mandate to Adam and Eve"), where the same Hebrew word is used. The emphasis is on the future population and spread of humanity, not on restoring a previous state of fullness.

**Why does God repeat the command to "be fruitful and multiply" to Noah, having already given it to Adam?**

Answer: The repetition of this command signifies a new beginning for humanity after the catastrophic Flood. Just as Adam was the progenitor of the pre-Flood world, Noah became the progenitor of the post-Flood world, serving as the new "father" of humanity. God's reiteration underscores the enduring nature of His original creation mandate and His unwavering desire for humanity to propagate, fill the earth, and exercise responsible dominion, despite the recent judgment. It highlights the continuity of God's plan for humanity and creation, demonstrating that His purposes are not thwarted by human sin but are renewed through His grace and sovereignty. This divine command is foundational for the re-establishment of human society and the fulfillment of God's global plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 9:1, with its emphasis on a new beginning, divine blessing, and a mandate to "be fruitful and multiply," profoundly foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Noah, as the progenitor of a new humanity after the Flood, serves as a type of Christ, who inaugurates a new spiritual creation. Just as Noah received a divine blessing and a command to fill the earth with physical descendants, Christ, as the "last Adam" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "Christ as the Last Adam")), is the source of a new spiritual humanity—the Church. The command to "be fruitful and multiply" finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the Great Commission, where believers are commanded to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")), thereby spiritually "filling" the earth not with physical offspring but with those reborn into God's family through faith in Christ. The blessings bestowed upon Noah are eclipsed by the "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) that believers receive. Through Christ, we are empowered for spiritual fruitfulness ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "Jesus the True Vine")), the multiplication of God's kingdom, and participation in the ultimate "new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "New Heavens and New Earth")), where God's purposes for humanity and creation will be fully realized.

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 9:7

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

Genesis 1:28

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 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.

Genesis 1:22

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

Psalms 128:3

Thy wife [shall be] as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

Psalms 128:4

Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.

Isaiah 51:2

Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah [that] bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.