Genesis 6:19 kjv

And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.

Genesis 6:19 nkjv

And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female.

Genesis 6:19 niv

You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you.

Genesis 6:19 esv

And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark to keep them alive with you. They shall be male and female.

Genesis 6:19 nlt

Bring a pair of every kind of animal ? a male and a female ? into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood.

Genesis 6 verses

Genesis 6 19 Meaning

Genesis 6:19 contains God's explicit command to Noah regarding the animals that were to be brought into the ark. The instruction specifies that from every living thing of all flesh, Noah was to bring two of every kind—a male and a female—into the ark, with the divine purpose of keeping them alive alongside him during the impending flood judgment.

Genesis 6 19 Context

Genesis 6:19 is part of God's direct instructions to Noah for building the ark and preserving life before the global Flood. The preceding verses (Gen 6:5-8) establish the reason for God's judgment: humanity's pervasive wickedness. Noah, however, found favor with God (Gen 6:8). The subsequent verses (Gen 6:9-18) detail God's decision to destroy all flesh, His covenant with Noah, and the specific dimensions and construction of the ark. Verse 19 directly follows the architectural commands, now turning to the ark's intended occupants, setting the stage for the universal destruction (Gen 7:1-4) and the preservation of a remnant. This command demonstrates God's sovereign plan not just for judgment, but for meticulous preservation and continuity of life on Earth through a divinely appointed remnant, distinguishing the Biblical account from other ancient flood narratives by emphasizing a righteous God's purposeful design and action.

Genesis 6 19 Word analysis

• וּמִכֹּל (u-mi-kol) - "And from every" / "And from all": The conjunction 'u' (and) links this instruction to the previous ones about building the ark. 'Mi-kol' signifies comprehensiveness and totality, meaning "out of the entirety" of. This emphasizes that no category of living creatures is to be overlooked, within the scope defined next.
• הַחַי (ha-khay) - "the living thing": This specifies animate, breathing life, referring to living beings as opposed to inanimate objects. It points to the category of life God intends to preserve.
• מִכָּל־בָּשָׂר (mi-kol basar) - "of all flesh": While 'basar' (flesh) can broadly refer to all living things, including humans, in this specific context (God's command to Noah regarding animals for the ark), it implicitly limits "flesh" to the non-human animal kingdom. It is distinct from the prior 'mi-kol' because it specifies the material, physical existence of these living creatures. This highlights the scope of the universal destruction (all flesh will perish, Gen 6:13, 17) and conversely, the extent of God's preservation through the ark.
• שְׁנַיִם שְׁנַיִם (sh'nayim sh'nayim) - "two by two": A distributive numerical expression, indicating pairs. This specific instruction, repeated later, means a male and a female pair from each kind. It implies reproductive capacity as essential for future repopulation, aligning with God's initial creation mandate.
• תָּבִיא (ta-vi) - "you shall bring": This is a direct imperative verb addressed to Noah. It signifies a divine command that requires Noah's active, obedient participation in a highly specific task. Noah's obedience to this command is key to God's plan of salvation.
• אֶל־הַתֵּבָה (el-ha-tevah) - "into the ark": Specifies the destination and means of preservation. 'Tevah' (ark/basket) is a unique Hebrew word used only for Noah's ark and Moses' basket (Exo 2:3), signifying a divinely purposed vessel for salvation from water.
• לְהַחֲיֹת (le-hachayot) - "to keep alive": The primary purpose clause. This infinitive form emphasizes the goal of Noah's task: to ensure the survival and continuation of life. It underlines God's redemptive intention amidst judgment—not utter annihilation but preservation of life itself.
• אִתָּךְ (ittakh) - "with you": Highlights Noah's centrality in God's plan. The animals are to be preserved alongside him and his family, emphasizing Noah as God's chosen steward of life for a new world.
• זָכָר וּנְקֵבָה (zachar u-nəqeḇah) - "male and female": This precisely defines the composition of each pair. It directly echoes the divine creation principle (Gen 1:27), where reproduction is based on gender complementarity. This is critical for the command's ultimate goal: the repopulation of the earth after the flood.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And from every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort": This phrase emphasizes the universality of the collection, encompassing all life within a defined category ("every kind"). It underscores the meticulous and comprehensive nature of God's instructions to ensure that biological diversity is maintained through the catastrophe. The repetition of "every" stresses totality, signifying that God’s plan leaves no species forgotten.
• "to keep them alive with you, a male and a female": This group articulates the dual purpose of the command. "To keep them alive" expresses the immediate, life-sustaining goal, demonstrating God's valuing of all His creation. "With you" stresses Noah's pivotal role as the human agent in this preservation. "A male and a female" details the necessary biological composition of the pairs, underscoring the long-term objective of re-establishing life on Earth through natural reproduction guided by God's initial creation design.

Genesis 6 19 Bonus section

• The concept of "kinds" (מִין, min) mentioned implicitly in "every sort" is fundamental to the biblical account of creation and the Flood. It suggests distinct, reproductively isolated groups, indicating that Noah did not need to bring every sub-species or breed, but foundational "kinds." This allows for the vast diversity we see today to develop within these created boundaries post-Flood.
• The selection of pairs was specifically ordained by God for biological viability and genetic continuity. This meticulous instruction speaks to God's inherent value for His creation and His purpose to not completely obliterate life.
• This verse underscores Noah's righteous character, as highlighted in Hebrews 11:7. His unquestioning faith led him to undertake the immense and seemingly illogical task of collecting all these animals, relying solely on God's word for salvation and future.

Genesis 6 19 Commentary

Genesis 6:19 is a profound revelation of God's meticulous care, even in judgment. Amidst the global wickedness that grieved God's heart, His plan was not one of total eradication but of a radical reset that preserved the essence of His created order. This verse specifically highlights His sovereign interest in the continuity of animal life, demonstrating that His wrath is aimed at human sin, not the innocent animal kingdom (Ps 36:6).

The detailed command for "two of every sort, a male and a female" reveals God's precision and foresight. It signifies His intent for the created order to be regenerated post-flood, mirroring the initial creation pattern (Gen 1:27). Noah's task, though monumental, was simplified by God's active involvement, as Gen 7:9 states the animals came to Noah. This divine orchestration, coupled with Noah's obedience, showcases a covenant relationship where God provides the plan and power, and humanity provides faith and action. This instruction for animal preservation sets the stage for a new beginning for life on Earth, underscoring God's ultimate desire for redemption and continuity even through the most severe judgment.