King James Version

What Does Genesis 8:19 Mean?

Genesis 8:19 in the King James Version says “Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their kinds, went forth... — study this verse from Genesis chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 8:19 · KJV


Context

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

20

And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

21

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. a sweet: Heb. a savour of rest or, satisfaction for the imagination: or, through the imagination


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after the... 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 contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כֹּ֖ל1 of 14

and whatsoever

H3605

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

הַֽחַיָּ֗ה2 of 14

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

כֹּ֖ל3 of 14

and whatsoever

H3605

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

הָרֶ֙מֶשׂ֙4 of 14

every creeping thing

H7431

a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal

כֹּ֖ל5 of 14

and whatsoever

H3605

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

הָע֔וֹף6 of 14

and every fowl

H5775

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

כֹּ֖ל7 of 14

and whatsoever

H3605

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

רוֹמֵ֣שׂ8 of 14

creepeth

H7430

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

עַל9 of 14
H5921

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

הָאָ֑רֶץ10 of 14

upon the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם11 of 14

after their kinds

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

יָֽצְא֖וּ12 of 14

went forth

H3318

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

מִן13 of 14
H4480

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

הַתֵּבָֽה׃14 of 14

out of the ark

H8392

a box


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 8:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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