King James Version

What Does Genesis 6:20 Mean?

Genesis 6:20 in the King James Version says “Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of e...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 6:20 · KJV

Context

18

But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.

19

And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.

20

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.

21

And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.

22

Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

Read Genesis 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth afte... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theological truths about Wickedness emerge from this passage?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
מֵהָע֣וֹף1 of 14

“Of fowls”

H5775

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

לְמִינֵ֑הוּ2 of 14

“after his kind”

H4327

a sort, i.e., species

וּמִן3 of 14
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַבְּהֵמָה֙4 of 14

“and of cattle”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

לְמִינֵ֑הוּ5 of 14

“after his kind”

H4327

a sort, i.e., species

מִכֹּ֛ל6 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רֶ֥מֶשׂ7 of 14

“of every creeping thing”

H7431

a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal

הָֽאֲדָמָ֖ה8 of 14

“of the earth”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

לְמִינֵ֑הוּ9 of 14

“after his kind”

H4327

a sort, i.e., species

שְׁנַ֧יִם10 of 14

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

מִכֹּ֛ל11 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יָבֹ֥אוּ12 of 14

“of every sort shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלֶ֖יךָ13 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְהַֽחֲיֽוֹת׃14 of 14

“unto thee to keep them alive”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 6:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 6:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 10:11-12Genesis 2:19John 5:40Genesis 7:8-16Genesis 1:20-24Genesis 1:28

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 6 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes