There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah.

GENESIS 7:9KJV
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Genesis 7:9 (KJV)

What does Genesis 7:9 mean?

Genesis 7:9 describes how pairs of animals, one male and one female of each kind, entered the ark with Noah just as God had instructed him. This verse highlights the orderly and obedient response of the animals to God's command, ensuring the survival of each species during the flood.

In this part of Genesis, Noah is following God's detailed instructions to bring animals into the ark before the flood begins. The verse emphasizes that the animals entered "two and two," meaning in pairs, and specifically notes both the male and female of each kind. The focus is on obedience—to God's command to Noah—and the careful preparation for preserving life through the coming judgment.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 7:9

  • The word for "two" is שְׁנַיִם (shenayim), and it is repeated for emphasis, showing that animals came in distinct pairs, not just in any number.
  • "Male" is זָכָר (zakar) and "female" is נְקֵבָה (neqevah), making it clear that both sexes were needed for the animals to reproduce after the flood.
  • The word translated "commanded" is צִוָּה (tsivvah), which carries the idea of a direct, authoritative instruction from God, not just a suggestion.

Why Genesis 7:9 matters

  • Genesis 7:9 clears up any confusion about how many animals entered the ark and in what arrangement—specifically, pairs of males and females, as God had directed.
  • The verse underscores the importance of obedience, both from Noah in following God's instructions and from the animals responding as needed for God's plan.
  • This detail connects to the broader story of the flood, showing God's care in preserving life and setting the stage for the renewal of creation after the floodwaters recede.

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.

“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 7:15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.
  • 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 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
  • 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.

“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,