King James Version

What Does Genesis 8:17 Mean?

Genesis 8:17 in the King James Version says “Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every cree...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.”

Genesis 8:17 · KJV

Context

15

And God spake unto Noah, saying,

16

Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee.

17

Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.

18

And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him:

19

Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their kinds, went forth out of the ark. kinds: Heb. families

Read Genesis 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattl... 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 New Beginning emerge from this passage?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כָּל1 of 21
H3605

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

הַֽחַיָּ֨ה2 of 21

“with thee every living thing”

H2416

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

אֲשֶֽׁר3 of 21
H834

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

אִתְּךָ֜4 of 21
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

מִכָּל5 of 21
H3605

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

בָּשָׂ֗ר6 of 21

“that is with thee of all flesh”

H1320

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

בָּע֧וֹף7 of 21

“both of fowl”

H5775

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

וּבַבְּהֵמָ֛ה8 of 21

“and of cattle”

H929

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

וּבְכָל9 of 21
H3605

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

הָרֶ֛מֶשׂ10 of 21

“and of every creeping thing”

H7431

a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal

הָֽרֹמֵ֥שׂ11 of 21

“that creepeth”

H7430

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

עַל12 of 21
H5921

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃13 of 21

“in the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַוְצֵ֣א14 of 21

“Bring forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אִתָּ֑ךְ15 of 21
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וְשָֽׁרְצ֣וּ16 of 21

“that they may breed abundantly”

H8317

to wriggle, i.e., (by implication) swarm or abound

הָאָֽרֶץ׃17 of 21

“in the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּפָר֥וּ18 of 21

“and be fruitful”

H6509

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

וְרָב֖וּ19 of 21

“and multiply”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

עַל20 of 21
H5921

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃21 of 21

“in the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 8:17 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 8:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 1:22Jeremiah 31:27-28Genesis 9:1Psalms 107:38Genesis 1:28Genesis 9:7

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