And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.

GENESIS 7:16KJV
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Genesis 7:16 (KJV)

What does Genesis 7:16 mean?

Genesis 7:16 says that all the animals, both male and female of every kind, entered the ark just as God had instructed Noah, and then the LORD Himself closed the door behind them. This verse highlights that Noah followed God’s command exactly, and that God personally ensured their safety by shutting them in.

Genesis 7:16 takes place as Noah, his family, and the animals are entering the ark before the flood begins. The verse makes a point to say that everything was done according to God’s instructions, and then shifts the focus to God’s direct action—He is the one who shuts the door, showing His control and protection over what is about to happen.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 7:16

  • God (אֱלֹהִים, ’Elohim): This word is used for God as the one who gives the command to Noah, emphasizing God’s authority and the seriousness of His instructions.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): The verse switches from “God” to “the LORD” when describing who shuts Noah in, highlighting a more personal, covenant-keeping aspect of God’s character in this moment of protection.
  • Shut in (סָגַר, sagar): This word means to close or shut up securely. The use here shows that it was God Himself who sealed the ark, not Noah, underlining God’s active role in their safety.

Why Genesis 7:16 matters

  • Genesis 7:16 clears up that Noah did not close the ark himself; it was God who did it, showing that ultimate security and protection come from God, not human effort.
  • The verse emphasizes that Noah’s obedience was complete—he did everything “as God had commanded him”—which is a key theme throughout the flood story.
  • The switch from “God” to “the LORD” in the same verse connects the universal Creator with the personal, relational God who cares for and protects those who trust Him.

Where else these words appear

“female” Hebrew H5347 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
  • Leviticus 4:28 Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned.
  • Leviticus 27:5 And if it be from five years old even unto twenty years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels.

“male” Hebrew H2145 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
  • Leviticus 12:7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.
  • Deuteronomy 4:16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,

“in” Hebrew H5462 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
  • 1 Samuel 17:46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
  • Job 12:14 Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.