Old Testament
Genesis 6:20
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Two of every kind of bird, animal, and crawling creature will come to you to be kept alive.
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Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.
What Genesis 6:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs Noah about the animals that will come to him. He tells Noah that two of every kind of bird, animal, and crawling creature will arrive at the ark. This is a significant moment, as it shows God's plan to preserve life on Earth. The animals are not just random; they represent the diversity of creation. God ensures that Noah will have everything he needs to keep these creatures alive during the flood. This act of gathering animals highlights God's care for all living things. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience, as Noah must trust and follow God's instructions. The arrival of the animals is a testament to God's power and control over nature, demonstrating that He can orchestrate events according to His will. This moment is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the responsibility humans have to care for it. Noah's role is crucial, as he becomes a steward of creation during a time of great upheaval and change, showcasing the importance of faith and action.
How to apply Genesis 6:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize our role in caring for the environment and all living beings. Just as Noah was entrusted with the animals, we too have responsibilities to protect and preserve the world around us. Reflect on how you can contribute to the well-being of nature and its creatures in your daily life. Every small action counts towards a greater good. Embrace stewardship in your community and beyond, making a positive impact.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Noah's story: God Tells Noah to Build an Ark (Genesis 6:5–22)
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Noah
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Genesis 6:20
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At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 6:20 mean?
Genesis 6:20 means that God instructed Noah to gather two of every kind of bird, animal, and crawling creature to save them from the flood. This shows God's intention to preserve life on Earth and highlights Noah's role in following God's plan.
What is the significance of animals in Genesis 6:20?
The animals in Genesis 6:20 represent the diversity of creation and God's care for all living beings. Their gathering to Noah emphasizes the importance of preserving life and the interconnectedness of all creatures.
How does Genesis 6:20 relate to stewardship?
Genesis 6:20 relates to stewardship by showing that Noah was entrusted with the care of animals during a critical time. It reminds us of our responsibility to protect and preserve the environment and all living creatures.
What can we learn from Genesis 6:20?
From Genesis 6:20, we learn about the importance of obedience to God's instructions and the role of humans in caring for creation. It encourages us to take action in preserving nature and being responsible stewards of the Earth.
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