Genesis 8:20 (KJV)

What does Genesis 8:20 mean?

Genesis 8:20 describes Noah building an altar to the LORD after leaving the ark and offering burnt sacrifices from every kind of clean animal and bird. This act shows Noah’s gratitude and reverence toward God after surviving the flood.

Noah is the main figure here, acting on his own after the floodwaters have receded and his family and the animals have left the ark. The verse highlights Noah’s immediate response to God’s deliverance by constructing an altar (a special place for worship) and offering burnt offerings, which were a way to honor and thank God in ancient times. The mention of “clean” animals and birds points to early ideas about which creatures were suitable for sacrifice, even before the formal laws given later in the Bible.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 8:20

• "Altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): This word refers to a structure specifically set apart for offerings to God. Its use here shows Noah’s intention to formally worship and thank God, not just express gratitude in words.
• "Burnt offerings" (עֹלָה, olah): This term means a sacrifice that is completely burned on the altar. The idea is that the whole animal is given up to God, symbolizing total dedication or surrender.
• "Clean" (טָהוֹר, tahor): This word describes animals considered acceptable for sacrifice. The distinction matters because it shows that Noah was careful to follow what was understood as proper worship, even before the detailed sacrificial laws were given to Moses.

Why Genesis 8:20 matters

• Genesis 8:20 shows that worship and gratitude were important to people of faith even before formal religious systems were established.
• The verse clarifies that the idea of “clean” and “unclean” animals existed before the laws in Leviticus, suggesting an early awareness of what was fitting for sacrifice.
• This act of sacrifice sets the stage for God’s response in the following verses, where God makes promises about the future of the earth and humanity.