### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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