Genesis 9:7 - Be fruitful and multiply. Increase abundantly in the earth, and multiply in it.”

Generated Verse: Genesis 9:7

What does "Genesis 9:7" mean?


The verse "Be fruitful and multiply. Increase abundantly in the earth, and multiply in it" from Genesis 9:7 is a command and a blessing from God to humanity, specifically given to Noah and his sons after the flood. It essentially means:

Be Fruitful: To produce offspring, to bear children.
Multiply: To increase in number, to grow in population.
Increase Abundantly in the Earth: To proliferate and fill the earth with descendants.

In essence, it's a divine instruction for humanity to repopulate the earth after the devastation of the flood. It implies a responsibility to continue the human race and to thrive on the planet.

Some theological interpretations also extend the meaning beyond just physical reproduction to include:

Spiritual Growth: Growing in faith, knowledge, and good works.
Cultural Development: Contributing to the development of societies and cultures.

However, the primary and literal meaning is centered around procreation and increasing the human population on the earth.

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