The Hebrew word remes, represented by H7431, refers to a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal. It is derived from the verb H7430 and is often translated as "creeping thing" or "moving thing." It appears 17 times in 17 unique verses, typically as part of a larger classification of animal life created by God.
In the biblical narrative, H7431 is introduced during the creation account, where God commands the earth to bring forth living creatures, including "creeping thing" after their kind Genesis 1:24. God then makes these creatures and declares them "good" Genesis 1:25. Following this, humanity is given dominion over all animals, including "every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth" Genesis 1:26. The term is used to categorize the animals that were to be brought onto Noah's ark Genesis 6:20, as well as those that were destroyed by the flood (Genesis 6:7, Genesis 7:23). After the flood, God gives "every moving thing that liveth" to humanity for food Genesis 9:3. In a prophetic context, God makes a covenant with all creatures, including the creeping things of the ground Hosea 2:18.
Several related words help to clarify the meaning and context of H7431:
- H7430 ramas (to creep, move): This is the primitive root from which remes is derived. It describes the action of gliding swiftly or crawling. It is often used in parallel with H7431, as seen in the phrase "every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth" Genesis 1:26.
- H929 behemah (beast, cattle): This term refers to larger quadrupeds and is frequently listed alongside remes in creation and flood narratives to provide a more complete picture of the animal kingdom Genesis 1:24.
- H8317 sharats (to swarm, breed abundantly): This verb is used to describe the divine command for the animals, including the creeping thing, to teem and multiply on the earth after leaving the ark, highlighting God's intention for life to flourish Genesis 8:17.
The theological significance of H7431 is seen in its role within broader biblical themes.
- Sovereign Creation: The inclusion of remes in the creation account demonstrates that God's creative power extends to all forms of life, which He deliberately made "after his kind" and pronounced "good" Genesis 1:25.
- Human Stewardship: By granting humanity dominion over the creeping thing, God establishes a principle of stewardship, where mankind is responsible for the care and oversight of the created world Genesis 1:26.
- Divine Judgment and Grace: The presence of remes in the flood narrative illustrates the comprehensive nature of God's judgment on sin and His grace in preserving life, showing that all creation is impacted by humanity's relationship with God (Genesis 6:7, Genesis 7:23, Genesis 8:17).
- Idolatry: In Ezekiel, the portrayal of the "form of creeping things" on a wall serves as a powerful symbol of apostasy, where God's creation is sinfully turned into an object of worship Ezekiel 8:10.
In summary, H7431 is a specific yet encompassing term for a class of animals that plays a consistent role in scripture. It is fundamental to the biblical understanding of the created order, appearing in the contexts of creation, humanity's God-given dominion, the global flood, and future restoration. The use of remes underscores God's sovereignty over every living creature and the integral part that even the smallest animals play in the grand narrative of judgment, salvation, and covenant.
TRV