Old Testament
Genesis 6:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God instructs Noah about the animals that will come to him.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Two of every kind of bird, animal, and crawling creature will come to you to be kept alive.
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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