Genesis 7:9
Genesis 7:9 in Multiple Translations
came to Noah to enter the ark, two by two, male and female, as God had commanded Noah.
There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah.
there went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, male and female, as God commanded Noah.
In twos, male and female, they went into the ark with Noah, as God had said.
went into the ark with Noah. They came in pairs, male and female, just as God had told Noah.
There came two and two vnto Noah into the Arke, male and female, as God had commanded Noah.
two by two they have come in unto Noah, unto the ark, a male and a female, as God hath commanded Noah.
went by pairs to Noah into the ship, male and female, as God commanded Noah.
There went in two and two to Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah.
Two and two went in to Noe into the ark, male and female, as the Lord had commanded Noe.
males and females, came to Noah and then went into the boat, just as God told Noah that they would do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 7:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 7:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׁנַ֨יִם
שְׁנַ֜יִם
בָּ֧אוּ
אֶל
נֹ֛חַ
אֶל
הַ/תֵּבָ֖ה
זָכָ֣ר
וּ/נְקֵבָ֑ה
כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
צִוָּ֥ה
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
אֶת
נֹֽחַ
שְׁנַ֨יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
שְׁנַ֜יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
בָּ֧אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
נֹ֛חַ
Nôach
H5146
Noah
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/תֵּבָ֖ה
têbâh
H8392
ark
Art | N-fs
זָכָ֣ר
zâkâr
H2145
male
Adj
וּ/נְקֵבָ֑ה
nᵉqêbâh
H5347
female
Conj | N-fs
כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נֹֽחַ
Nôach
H5146
Noah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 7:9
שְׁנַ֨יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
שְׁנַ֜יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
בָּ֧אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
נֹ֛חַ
Nôach
H5146
"Noah"
N-proper
Noah, the patriarch who built the ark to save his family and two of every kind of animal from the flood, is the namesake of this Hebrew word. He is first mentioned in Genesis 5:29 as the son of Lamech. His story is a crucial part of biblical history.
Definition: A man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.5.29; son of: Lamech (H3929H); father of: Shem (H8035), Ham (H2526) and Japheth (H3315) Also named: Nōe (Νῶε "Noah" G3575) § Noah = "rest" son of Lamech, father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth; builder of the ark which saved his family from the destruction of the world which God sent on the world by the flood; became the new seminal head of mankind because his family were the only survivors of the flood
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Noah. See also: Genesis 5:29; Genesis 8:11; Isaiah 54:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/תֵּבָ֖ה
têbâh
H8392
"ark"
Art | N-fs
The word tebáh means ark, like the vessel Noah built or the basket that held Moses as a baby. It is often translated as ark in the Bible.
Definition: 1) ark 1a) vessel which Noah built 1b) basket vessel in which Moses was placed
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: ark. See also: Genesis 6:14; Genesis 7:23; Exodus 2:5.
זָכָ֣ר
zâkâr
H2145
"male"
Adj
This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.
Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.
וּ/נְקֵבָ֑ה
nᵉqêbâh
H5347
"female"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means female, referring to a woman, girl, or female animal. It is used in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus, to describe the female sex.
Definition: 1) female 1a) woman, female child 1b) female animal
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: female. See also: Genesis 1:27; Leviticus 12:5; Jeremiah 31:22.
כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נֹֽחַ
Nôach
H5146
"Noah"
N-proper
Noah, the patriarch who built the ark to save his family and two of every kind of animal from the flood, is the namesake of this Hebrew word. He is first mentioned in Genesis 5:29 as the son of Lamech. His story is a crucial part of biblical history.
Definition: A man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.5.29; son of: Lamech (H3929H); father of: Shem (H8035), Ham (H2526) and Japheth (H3315) Also named: Nōe (Νῶε "Noah" G3575) § Noah = "rest" son of Lamech, father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth; builder of the ark which saved his family from the destruction of the world which God sent on the world by the flood; became the new seminal head of mankind because his family were the only survivors of the flood
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Noah. See also: Genesis 5:29; Genesis 8:11; Isaiah 54:9.
Study Notes — Genesis 7:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Great Flood
7And Noah and his wife, with his sons and their wives, entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood.
8The clean and unclean animals, the birds, and everything that crawls along the ground
9came to Noah to enter the ark, two by two, male and female, as God had commanded Noah.
10And after seven days the floodwaters came upon the earth. 11In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 7:16 | And they entered, the male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the LORD shut him in. |
| 2 | Genesis 2:19 | And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and He brought them to the man to see what he would name each one. And whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 8:7 | Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD. |
| 4 | Isaiah 65:25 | The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but the food of the serpent will be dust. They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain,” says the LORD. |
| 5 | Colossians 3:11 | Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all. |
| 6 | Acts 10:11–12 | He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air. |
| 7 | Galatians 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. |
| 8 | Isaiah 11:6–9 | The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them. The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the sea is full of water. |
Genesis 7:9 Summary
This verse tells us that the animals came to the ark in pairs, male and female, just as God had commanded Noah. This shows us that God is a God of order and provision, who cares about all of His creation, as seen in Psalm 104:27-30. The animals' obedience to God's command also teaches us about the importance of trusting and obeying God's commands in our own lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting and obeying God, we can experience His salvation and provision, just like Noah and the animals did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the animals come to Noah in pairs, male and female?
The animals came to Noah in pairs, male and female, as God had commanded Noah, to preserve their species and ensure their continuation after the flood, as seen in Genesis 7:9 and Genesis 6:20.
How did the animals know to come to the ark?
The Bible does not provide a direct answer to how the animals knew to come to the ark, but it is clear that God was involved in bringing them to Noah, as stated in Genesis 7:9, and it is a testament to God's power and sovereignty over creation.
What can we learn from the obedience of the animals in this verse?
The obedience of the animals in coming to the ark as God had commanded Noah teaches us about the importance of trusting and obeying God's commands, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of the flood?
This verse is a crucial part of the story of the flood, as it shows how God provided a way for the animals and Noah's family to be saved from the flood, which is a symbol of God's judgment and salvation, as seen in Genesis 6-9 and 1 Peter 3:20-21.
Reflection Questions
- What does the obedience of the animals in this verse teach me about my own obedience to God?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting and obeying God's commands in my own life, just as Noah did?
- What are some ways that God is working in my life, just as He was working in the life of Noah and the animals, to bring about His plan and purpose?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty over creation, just as the animals trusted God's plan for their survival?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 7:9
There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark,.... Of themselves, as Jarchi and Aben Ezra, being impressed with an instinct from God so to do; or by the ministry of angels, as observed [See
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 7:9
There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah. There went in two and two.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 7:9
They went by the secret impulse of their great Creator and Governor, two and two; of which see above, .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 7:9
Genesis 7:9 There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah.Ver. 9. There went in two and two.] Of their own accord, by divine instinct. Noah was not put to the pains of hunting after them, or driving them in. Only he seems to have been six days in receiving and disposing of them in their various cells, and fetching in food. When God bids us do this or that, never stand to cast perils; but set upon the work, yield "the obedience of faith," and fear nothing. The creatures came in to Noah, without his care or cost. He had no more to do, but to take them in, and place them. The prophet alludes hereto in Isaiah 11:6-7, - all bloodiness and rapine aside.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 7:9
9. two and two] Apparently these words are introduced in order to harmonize the account in this verse with the command in Genesis 6:19, and with the description in Genesis 7:15. There is no mention of the admission of seven, or of seven pairs, of “clean” animals. male and female] The same phrase as in Genesis 7:3, Genesis 6:19 : cf. Genesis 1:27. It is not the expression of Gen 7:2, “the male and his female” (see note). The compiler is following P, who gives one pair of each kind. God] Elohim. So LXX ὁΘεός; but the LXX text is not uniform. God. E and other MSS. κύριος; Lat. Dominus, and the Samaritan version, and the Targum, represent a text which read “Jehovah.” The work of the compiler, which is obvious in these verses, has left the reading in doubt.
Sermons on Genesis 7:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 6:17-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Noah and the flood from the Bible. He emphasizes that Noah did not have to go out and hunt the animals for the ark, but rather th |
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Our Daily Homily - Genesis by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound lessons found in Genesis, illustrating how God's ways often differ from human expectations. He highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and |
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A Pure Heart - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares various stories and examples to emphasize the importance of being careful with our actions and choices. He highlights the concept of reaping wha |
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How Did Noah's Flood Happen? a Theory by Kent Hovind | The video covers various topics related to the preaching of the word of God. It starts by encouraging individuals to take action in spreading the message of Christ, even if they fe |
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The Flood by Bill Randles | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the world, despite its glitter and glamour, is under judgment and wrath. He warns against getting too excited about worldly things, suc |
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Jonah - Part 4 by Dai Patterson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah and his anger. He highlights three instances in chapter 4 where Jonah is angry. The preacher emphasizes that it is the or |
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(Through the Bible) Genesis - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the stories of Enoch and Noah from Genesis, highlighting the importance of walking with God amidst a world of sin and judgment. It emphasizes the need to ch |