Genesis 9:7
Genesis 9:7 in Multiple Translations
But as for you, be fruitful and multiply; spread out across the earth and multiply upon it.”
And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.
And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.
And now, be fertile and have increase; have offspring on the earth and become great in number.
Reproduce, increase, and spread throughout the earth—have many descendants!”
But bring ye forth fruite and multiplie: grow plentifully in the earth, and increase therein.
And ye, be fruitful and multiply, teem in the earth, and multiply in it.'
Be fruitful and multiply. Increase abundantly in the earth, and multiply in it.”
And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply, bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.
But increase you and multiply, and go upon the earth, and fill it.
As for you, I want you to produce many children, in order that they and their descendants may live all over the earth.”
But I want you mob to have lots of kids, so that there will be lots of people everywhere on the earth.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 9:7
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 9:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַתֶּ֖ם
פְּר֣וּ
וּ/רְב֑וּ
שִׁרְצ֥וּ
בָ/אָ֖רֶץ
וּ/רְבוּ
בָֽ/הּ
וְ/אַתֶּ֖ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
פְּר֣וּ
pârâh
H6509
be fruitful
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
וּ/רְב֑וּ
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
שִׁרְצ֥וּ
shârats
H8317
to swarm
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
בָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
וּ/רְבוּ
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
בָֽ/הּ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 9:7
וְ/אַתֶּ֖ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
פְּר֣וּ
pârâh
H6509
"be fruitful"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be fruitful or produce something, like a tree bearing fruit. It is used in a literal sense, but also figuratively, like in Genesis where God tells humans to be fruitful and multiply. It emphasizes growth and increase.
Definition: 1) to bear fruit, be fruitful, branch off 1a) (Qal) to bear fruit, be fruitful 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to bear fruit 1b2) to make fruitful 1b3) to show fruitfulness, bear fruit Also means: pa.ra (פָּרָא "be fruitful" H6500)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bear, bring forth (fruit), (be, cause to be, make) fruitful, grow, increase. See also: Genesis 1:22; Exodus 1:7; Psalms 105:24.
וּ/רְב֑וּ
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
שִׁרְצ֥וּ
shârats
H8317
"to swarm"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to swarm or abound, and is used in the Bible to describe the multiplication of living things, like in Genesis 8:17. It can also mean to breed or increase, and is often associated with the abundance of God's creation. The word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to teem, swarm, multiply 1a) to swarm, teem 1b2) to swarm
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: breed (bring forth, increase) abundantly (in abundance), creep, move. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 11:29; Psalms 105:30.
בָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וּ/רְבוּ
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
בָֽ/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Genesis 9:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Covenant of the Rainbow
5And surely I will require the life of any man or beast by whose hand your lifeblood is shed. I will demand an accounting from anyone who takes the life of his fellow man:
6Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.
7But as for you, be fruitful and multiply; spread out across the earth and multiply upon it.”
8Then God said to Noah and his sons with him, 9“Behold, I now establish My covenant with you and your descendants after you,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 1:28 | God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.” |
| 2 | Genesis 9:1 | And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. |
| 3 | Genesis 9:19 | These three were the sons of Noah, and from them the whole earth was populated. |
| 4 | Genesis 8:17 | Bring out all the living creatures that are with you—birds, livestock, and everything that crawls upon the ground—so that they can spread out over the earth and be fruitful and multiply upon it.” |
Genesis 9:7 Summary
[Genesis 9:7 is a command from God to Noah and his family to have many children and fill the earth with them, just like He commanded Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:28. This shows that God wants humanity to thrive and populate the earth, and that He is committed to restoring and redeeming His creation. As believers, we can apply this command to our own lives by seeking to have a positive impact on the world around us, whether through having children or through other means, and by trusting God to provide for us and guide us as we seek to obey His commands (Psalm 37:3-7, Jeremiah 29:11).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be fruitful and multiply in Genesis 9:7?
Being fruitful and multiplying, as seen in Genesis 9:7, means to have many children and fill the earth with them, as God commanded Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:28 and now commands Noah and his family after the flood, showing God's desire for humanity to thrive and populate the earth.
How does this verse relate to God's original command to Adam and Eve?
Genesis 9:7 is a restatement of God's original command to Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:28, indicating that God's plan for humanity remains unchanged despite the fall and the flood, and that He still desires for humans to have dominion over the earth and fill it with their descendants.
Is this verse only talking about having children, or is there a broader meaning?
While having children is a literal interpretation of Genesis 9:7, it can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual multiplication, where believers are called to spread the message of God's love and salvation, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20, and to bear spiritual fruit, as mentioned in John 15:1-17.
How does this verse fit into the larger narrative of the Bible?
Genesis 9:7 is part of the larger story of God's redemption and restoration of humanity, as seen in the covenant He makes with Noah and his descendants in Genesis 9:8-17, and ultimately points forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who would bring salvation and new life to all people, as seen in John 3:16.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to be fruitful and multiply in my own life, and how can I apply this command in a way that honors God?
- How can I balance the desire to have a large family with the practical realities of my own life and circumstances?
- What are some ways that I can 'spread out across the earth' and make a positive impact on the world around me, whether through having children or through other means?
- How can I trust God to provide for me and my family as I seek to obey His commands and live out my faith in a world that often seems uncertain and unpredictable?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 9:7
And you, be ye fruitful and multiply,.... Instead of taking away the lives of men, the great concern should be to multiply them; and this indeed is one reason of the above law, to prevent the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 9:7
And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein. And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply. The Noachidae were the seed by which the world was to be repopulated.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 9:7
i.e. As for you, I do not repent of that former blessing I gave to your parents, , but do hereby renew it to you, and your seed after you.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 9:7
Genesis 9:7 And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.Ver. 7. Be fruitful.]
Sermons on Genesis 9:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 9:1-5 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of draining the blood from animals before consuming them, as it symbolizes the taking of life. The speaker also expresses his p |
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神造男人的目的 - the Purpose of a Man by Paul Washer | In this sermon, Paul begins by explaining that in the first three chapters of the Bible, he discusses everything that God has done for us in Christ. He then transitions to chapter |
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(Basics) 51. Bringing Up Godly Children by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching children to be honest and responsible. He uses the example of a child stealing a pencil and explains how ignoring |
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Worship by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth. He shares a personal experience of surrendering his life to God and the profound impact |
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The New Creation and the New Fall by Bill Randles | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of two different kinds of people in the new world. He emphasizes that while some can thrive in corruption and feed off it, others |
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The Sermon on the Mount - Part 6 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the challenges and struggles faced by believers in the world. He emphasizes the importance of being anointed by the Holy Spirit and refers |
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(Genesis #9) God in Covenant by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God wants to communicate His word to us and desires our comfort and service. The preacher highlights the covenant God made with all cre |