King James Version

What Does Genesis 7:14 Mean?

Genesis 7:14 in the King James Version says “They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon t...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort. sort: Heb. wing”

Genesis 7:14 · KJV

Context

12

And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.

13

In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark;

14

They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort. sort: Heb. wing

15

And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.

16

And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.

Read Genesis 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing ... 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.

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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. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. How should this truth about Covenant Preservation shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
הֵ֜מָּה1 of 20

“They”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְכָל2 of 20
H3605

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

הַֽחַיָּ֣ה3 of 20

“and every beast”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

לְמִינֵ֔הוּ4 of 20

“after his kind”

H4327

a sort, i.e., species

וְכָל5 of 20
H3605

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

הַבְּהֵמָה֙6 of 20

“and all the cattle”

H929

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

לְמִינֵ֔הוּ7 of 20

“after his kind”

H4327

a sort, i.e., species

וְכָל8 of 20
H3605

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

הָרֶ֛מֶשׂ9 of 20

“and every creeping thing”

H7431

a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal

הָרֹמֵ֥שׂ10 of 20

“that creepeth”

H7430

properly, to glide swiftly, i.e., to crawl or move with short steps; by analogy to swarm

עַל11 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאָ֖רֶץ12 of 20

“upon the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְמִינֵ֔הוּ13 of 20

“after his kind”

H4327

a sort, i.e., species

וְכָל14 of 20
H3605

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

הָע֣וֹף15 of 20

“and every fowl”

H5775

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

לְמִינֵ֔הוּ16 of 20

“after his kind”

H4327

a sort, i.e., species

כֹּ֖ל17 of 20
H3605

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

צִפּ֥וֹר18 of 20

“every bird”

H6833

a little bird (as hopping)

כָּל19 of 20
H3605

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

כָּנָֽף׃20 of 20

“of every sort”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

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 7:14 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 7:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 7:8-9Genesis 7:2-3

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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