King James Version

What Does Genesis 7:16 Mean?

Genesis 7:16 in the King James Version says “And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 7:16 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth.

18

And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.

Read Genesis 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD ... 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. What theological truths about The Flood emerge from this passage?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
בָּ֔אוּ1 of 13

“And they that went in”

H935

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

זָכָ֨ר2 of 13

“male”

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

וּנְקֵבָ֤ה3 of 13

“and female”

H5347

female (from the sexual form)

מִכָּל4 of 13
H3605

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

בָּשָׂר֙5 of 13

“of all flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

בָּ֔אוּ6 of 13

“And they that went in”

H935

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר7 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֥ה8 of 13

“had commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֹת֖וֹ9 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֱלֹהִ֑ים10 of 13

“as God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיִּסְגֹּ֥ר11 of 13

“shut him in”

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 13

“him and the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בַּֽעֲדֽוֹ׃13 of 13
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

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 7:16 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 7:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 25:10Luke 13:25Genesis 7:2-3Psalms 91:1-102 Kings 4:4-5Deuteronomy 33:27

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