And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.

GENESIS 7:15KJV
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Genesis 7:15 (KJV)

What does Genesis 7:15 mean?

Genesis 7:15 describes how pairs of every living creature that breathes entered the ark with Noah, just as God had instructed. The verse emphasizes that all kinds of animals, each with the "breath of life," came in twos to join Noah in the ark before the flood began.

In this part of Genesis, the story is focused on Noah following God's command to bring animals into the ark to preserve life during the coming flood. The phrase "all flesh, wherein is the breath of life" highlights that it was not just any animals, but specifically those that breathe, that were included. The scene shows careful preparation and obedience in the face of a worldwide disaster.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 7:15

  • "breath" — רוּחַ (ruach): This word can mean breath, wind, or spirit. Here, it points to living creatures that have the breath of life, emphasizing that these are not just physical beings but living, breathing ones.
  • "flesh" — בָּשָׂר (basar): This Hebrew word refers to living beings with flesh, often used to describe both humans and animals. In this context, it underscores the inclusion of all types of living creatures, not just a select few.
  • "ark" — תֵּבָה (tevah): This term is used specifically for the vessel Noah built, distinct from other words for boat or ship, highlighting the unique purpose and design of this structure for preservation.

Why Genesis 7:15 matters

  • Genesis 7:15 clarifies that the animals entered the ark by pairs, not randomly or in groups, showing order and intentionality in the preservation of life.
  • The verse stresses that only creatures with the "breath of life" were included, which helps readers understand why some animals (like fish) are not mentioned as entering the ark.
  • This verse connects to the broader narrative by showing Noah’s obedience and the fulfillment of God’s detailed instructions, setting the stage for the flood and the survival of life on earth.

Where else these words appear

“ark” Hebrew H8392 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 6:14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
  • Genesis 7:13 In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark;
  • Genesis 8:10 And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;

“Noah” Hebrew H5146 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 5:29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.
  • Genesis 7:9 There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah.
  • Genesis 9:17 And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.

“wherein” Hebrew H834 · used in 105 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Genesis 38:10 And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.
  • Deuteronomy 12:2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: