Devine Scripture

Genesis 7:3

What does Genesis 7:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 7:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 7:3 means

Similar to the clean beasts, seven pairs of every kind of bird are to be brought into the ark. The explicit purpose given is "to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth," emphasizing God's meticulous care for the continuation of all life, even amidst a global catastrophe. This over-abundance of clean animals and birds (seven pairs as opposed to two of the unclean) would ensure sufficient numbers for post-flood propagation and ritual offerings, highlighting God's plan for a renewed earth.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

of the birds also of the heavens, seven and seven, male and female, to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

of the birds also of the heavens, seven and seven, male and female, to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And of the birds of the air, seven males and seven females, so that their seed may still be living on the face of the earth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

also, of fowl of the heavens seven pairs, a male and a female, to keep alive seed on the face of all the earth;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But of the beasts that are unclean two and two, the male and the female. Of the fowls also of the air seven and seven, the male and the female: that seed may be saved upon the face of the whole earth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Also of the fowl of the heavens by sevens, male and female; to keep seed alive on the face of all the earth.

Context

This verse continues the detailed list of animal provisions, specifically addressing birds, immediately following the instructions for clean and unclean land animals. It reinforces the overarching purpose of preserving life, leading directly into the declaration of the imminent rain. This exhaustive detailing of animal selection demonstrates the comprehensive scope of God's plan for Noah and the ark before the flood begins.

v.2Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee seven and seven, the male and his female; and of the beasts that are not clean two, the male and his female:

v.3This passage

v.4For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living thing that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the ground.

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