King James Version
What Does Genesis 7:8 Mean?
“Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth,”
Context
6
And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.
7
And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.
8
Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth,
9
There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah.
10
And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth. after: or, on the seventh day
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **Beasts.**—Heb., *of the clean cattle and of the cattle that was not clean. *In the *Chaldean Genesis, *Xisuthrus takes also wild animals, seeds of all kinds of plants, gold and silver, male and female slaves, the “sons of the best,” and the “sons of the people” (pp. 280-283). There it is a whole tribe, with their chief, who are saved—here one family only.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 7:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.