Genesis 9:3
What does Genesis 9:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 9:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 9:3 means
This verse marks a significant change in humanity's diet. Prior to the flood, humanity was limited to eating green herbs (Genesis 1:29). Now, God explicitly grants permission to eat any living, moving thing as food. This expansion of permissible food sources reflects a new phase in human existence, perhaps a practical necessity in the post-flood world. It broadens the scope of available sustenance, showcasing God's provision for His creation while also implying a greater responsibility in the taking of animal life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Every moving thing that liveth shall be food for you; as the green herb have I given you all.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Every moving thing that liveth shall be food for you; as the green herb have I given you all.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Every living and moving thing will be food for you; I give them all to you as before I gave you all green things.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Every creeping thing that is alive, to you it is for food; as the green herb I have given to you the whole;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And every thing that moveth, and liveth shall be meat for you: even as the green herbs have I delivered them all to you:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Every moving thing that liveth shall be food for you: as the green herb I give you everything.
Context
Building on the previous verse's declaration of human dominion over animals, this verse directly defines the practical implications of that authority. It clarifies what humanity is now permitted to consume, transitioning from an exclusively vegetarian diet to one that includes meat. This directly sets up the subsequent prohibition regarding blood, providing the necessary context for understanding that crucial restriction within the broader allowance of meat-eating.
v.2And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every bird of the heavens; with all wherewith the ground teemeth, and all the fishes of the sea, into your hand are they delivered.
v.3This passage
v.4But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 104:14
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, And herb for the service of man; That he may bring forth food out of the earth,
- Colossians 2:16
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a sabbath day:
- Leviticus 22:8
That which dieth of itself, or is torn of beasts, he shall not eat, to defile himself therewith: I am Jehovah.
- Leviticus 11:1
And Jehovah spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,
- Romans 14:17
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
- Colossians 2:21
Handle not, nor taste, nor touch
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 9
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 9.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Covenant
God’s covenant is a sacred agreement between Him and His people, demonstrating His unchanging faithfulness and redemptive plan for humanity.
Topic
Bible Verses About Body Image
Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and these scriptures help us to see ourselves through His eyes.
Topic
Bible Verses About God’s Calling
Explore what it means to be called by God, whether to salvation, service, or a particular purpose in life.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Alone
When no one seems to see you — verses for the One who does.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for Pregnancy
Verses for the long wait of trying to conceive.