Genesis 9:3

Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.

Every moving thing {H7431} that liveth {H2416} shall be meat {H402} for you; even as the green {H3418} herb {H6212} have I given {H5414} you all things.

Every moving thing that lives will be food for you; just as I gave you green plants before, so now I give you everything —

Everything that lives and moves will be food for you; just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things.

Every moving thing that liveth shall be food for you; as the green herb have I given you all.

Commentary

Genesis 9:3 KJV marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, representing a significant shift in humanity's relationship with the created world after the global flood. Following the devastation, God establishes a new order with Noah and his descendants.

Context of Genesis 9:3

Immediately after the Great Flood, God blesses Noah and his sons, commanding them to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth (Genesis 9:1). This verse, Genesis 9:3, follows the declaration that the fear and dread of humanity would be upon all living creatures (Genesis 9:2). Prior to the Flood, humanity's diet was strictly vegetarian, as established in Genesis 1:29. This verse introduces a profound change, allowing the consumption of animal flesh.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Provision: God, as the ultimate provider, expands humanity's food sources. This demonstrates His care for Noah and his family, ensuring their sustenance in a world drastically altered by the Flood.
  • New Covenant Order: This dietary change is part of a broader new covenant God makes with all living creatures, signifying a new phase in God's interaction with humanity and creation. It reflects a re-establishment of life on earth under new terms.
  • Human Dominion and Responsibility: While granting permission to eat meat, the verse implicitly connects to humanity's ongoing dominion over creation. This permission comes with the understanding that life is sacred, a principle later detailed in the prohibition against consuming blood (Genesis 9:4).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Every moving thing that liveth" translates the Hebrew kol-remes asher hu chai. While remes often refers to "creeping things" or "swarming things," the addition of "that liveth" (asher hu chai) broadens its scope here to encompass all living creatures, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this new dietary allowance. The phrase "shall be meat for you" signifies that these creatures are now designated as sustenance, just "as the green herb" (yereq esev) was originally given.

Practical Application and Significance

Genesis 9:3 highlights God's sovereign authority over creation and His generous provision for humanity. It teaches us about:

  • God's Adaptation to Circumstances: God's commands are not static but can adapt to new realities, always with humanity's good and His divine plan in mind.
  • Stewardship: Although meat is now allowed, this permission does not negate the call to be good stewards of creation. Later laws in the Old Testament, such as those found in Leviticus 11, would introduce specific dietary restrictions for Israel, further refining the understanding of clean and unclean foods.
  • The Progression of Revelation: This verse is a foundational step in understanding God's unfolding plan. In the New Testament, the apostle Peter's vision in Acts 10:13-15 would signify a further lifting of dietary restrictions for believers, emphasizing that "every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving" (1 Timothy 4:4).

Reflection

Genesis 9:3 underscores God's continuing care for humanity after a cataclysmic event, providing for their physical needs while also establishing a new framework for their existence on earth. It reminds us that all provision comes from God's hand and should be received with gratitude.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 14:14 (7 votes)

    I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.

  • Colossians 2:21 (6 votes)

    (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

  • Colossians 2:22 (6 votes)

    Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

  • Deuteronomy 12:15 (6 votes)

    Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.

  • 1 Timothy 4:3 (5 votes)

    Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

  • 1 Timothy 4:5 (5 votes)

    For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31 (5 votes)

    Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.