Genesis 1:29

Genesis 1:29 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food.

King James Version KJV

¶ And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

American Standard Version ASV

And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And God said, See, I have given you every plant producing seed, on the face of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit producing seed: they will be for your food:

Free Bible Version FBV

God said, “Look, I'm giving you as your food every seed-bearing plant anywhere on earth, and every tree that produces fruit with seeds.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And God said, Beholde, I haue giuen vnto you euery herbe bearing seede, which is vpon al the earth, and euery tree, wherein is the fruite of a tree bearing seede: that shall be to you for meate.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And God saith, 'Lo, I have given to you every herb sowing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree in which [is] the fruit of a tree sowing seed, to you it is for food;

World English Bible WEB

God said, “Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree, which bears fruit yielding seed. It will be your food.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And God said: Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed upon the earth, and all trees that have in themselves seed of their own kind, to be your meat:

Translation for Translators T4T

God said to the humans, “Listen! I have given you all the plants that produce seeds, all over the earth, and all the trees that have seeds in their fruit. All these things are for you to eat.

Plain English Version PEV

Then God said to them, “Look, I made lots of food plants for you. I made plants that have seeds in them, and trees with fruit on them too. You can eat the seeds from those plants and the fruit from those trees. That bush tucker will be your food.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 1:29

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 1:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אֱלֹהִ֗ים וַיֹּ֣אמֶר הִנֵּה֩ נָתַ֨תִּי לָכֶ֜ם אֶת־ כָּל־ זֹרֵ֣עַ זֶ֗רַע אֲשֶׁר֙ עֵ֣שֶׂב׀ עַל־ פְּנֵ֣י כָל־ הָאָ֔רֶץ וְאֶת־ כָּל־ הָעֵ֛ץ אֲשֶׁר־ פְרִי־ זֹרֵ֣עַ בּ֥וֹ עֵ֖ץ זָ֑רַע יִֽהְיֶ֖ה לָכֶ֥ם לְאָכְלָֽה׃

אֱלֹהִ֗ים ’ĕ·lō·hîm H430 Then God Noun - masculine plural

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר way·yō·mer H559 said Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular

הִנֵּה֩ hin·nêh H2009 Behold Interjection

נָתַ֨תִּי nā·ṯat·tî H5414 I have given Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular

לָכֶ֜ם lā·ḵem you Preposition | second person masculine plural

אֶת־ ’eṯ- H853 - Direct object marker

כָּל־ kāl- H3605 every Noun - masculine singular construct

זֹרֵ֣עַ zō·rê·a‘ H2232 Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular

זֶ֗רַע ze·ra‘ H2233 seed-bearing Noun - masculine singular

אֲשֶׁר֙ ’ă·šer H834 - Pronoun - relative

עֵ֣שֶׂב׀ ‘ê·śeḇ H6212 plant Noun - masculine singular

עַל־ ‘al- H5921 on Preposition

פְּנֵ֣י pə·nê H6440 the face Noun - common plural construct

כָל־ ḵāl H3605 of all Noun - masculine singular construct

הָאָ֔רֶץ hā·’ā·reṣ H776 the earth Article | Noun - feminine singular

וְאֶת־ wə·’eṯ- H853 and Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker

כָּל־ kāl- H3605 every Noun - masculine singular construct

הָעֵ֛ץ hā·‘êṣ H6086 tree Article | Noun - masculine singular

אֲשֶׁר־ ’ă·šer- H834 whose Pronoun - relative

פְרִי־ p̄ə·rî- H6529 fruit Noun - masculine singular construct

זֹרֵ֣עַ zō·rê·a‘ H2232 contains Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular

בּ֥וֹ bōw . . . Preposition | third person masculine singular

עֵ֖ץ ‘êṣ H6086 - Noun - masculine singular

זָ֑רַע zā·ra‘ H2233 seed Noun - masculine singular

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה yih·yeh H1961 They will be Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular

לָכֶ֥ם lā·ḵem yours Preposition | second person masculine plural

לְאָכְלָֽה׃ lə·’āḵ·lāh H402 for food Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 1:29

אֱלֹהִ֗ים ’ĕ·lō·hîm H430 "Then God" Noun - masculine plural

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2247 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר way·yō·mer H559 "said" Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

הִנֵּה֩ hin·nêh H2009 "Behold" Interjection

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

נָתַ֨תִּי nā·ṯat·tî H5414 "I have given" Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1817 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

לָכֶ֜ם lā·ḵem "you" Preposition | second person masculine plural

אֶת־ ’eṯ- H853 "-" Direct object marker

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6751 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

כָּל־ kāl- H3605 "every" Noun - masculine singular construct

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4240 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

זֹרֵ֣עַ zō·rê·a‘ H2232 "" Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular

To sow or plant seed is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which also has figurative uses like spreading ideas or producing spiritual fruit. It appears in various forms, such as conceiving or yielding seed, and is used in biblical passages like Genesis and Psalm 107.

Definition: 1) to sow, scatter seed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sow 1a2) producing, yielding seed 1b)(Niphal) 1b1) to be sown 1b2) to become pregnant, be made pregnant 1c) (Pual) to be sown 1d) (Hiphil) to produce seed, yield seed

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: bear, conceive seed, set with sow(-er), yield. See also: Genesis 1:11; Psalms 107:37; Psalms 97:11.

זֶ֗רַע ze·ra‘ H2233 "seed-bearing" Noun - masculine singular

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.

Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:50.

אֲשֶׁר֙ ’ă·šer H834 "-" Pronoun - relative

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עֵ֣שֶׂב׀ ‘ê·śeḇ H6212 "plant" Noun - masculine singular

This Hebrew word means vegetation or grass, representing growth and new life. It is used in Genesis 1:11 to describe the creation of plants and in Psalm 23:2 to describe a peaceful landscape.

Definition: herb, herbage, grass, green plants Aramaic equivalent: a.sav (עֲשַׂב "grass" H6211B)

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: grass, herb. See also: Genesis 1:11; Psalms 72:16; Psalms 92:7.

עַל־ ‘al- H5921 "on" Preposition

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4492 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

פְּנֵ֣י pə·nê H6440 "the face" Noun - common plural construct

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1892 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

כָל־ ḵāl H3605 "of all" Noun - masculine singular construct

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

הָאָ֔רֶץ hā·’ā·reṣ H776 "the earth" Article | Noun - feminine singular

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

וְאֶת־ wə·’eṯ- H853 "and" Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6751 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

כָּל־ kāl- H3605 "every" Noun - masculine singular construct

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

הָעֵ֛ץ hā·‘êṣ H6086 "tree" Article | Noun - masculine singular

This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.

Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax

Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.

אֲשֶׁר־ ’ă·šer- H834 "whose" Pronoun - relative

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

פְרִי־ p̄ə·rî- H6529 "fruit" Noun - masculine singular construct

In the Bible, this word means the fruit that comes from the ground or from our actions. It is used in many books, including Genesis and Isaiah, to describe the results of our labor or the consequences of our choices.

Definition: 1) fruit 1a) fruit, produce (of the ground) 1b) fruit, offspring, children, progeny (of the womb) 1c) fruit (of actions) (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: bough, (first-)fruit(-ful), reward. See also: Genesis 1:11; Proverbs 18:20; Psalms 1:3.

זֹרֵ֣עַ zō·rê·a‘ H2232 "contains" Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: bear, conceive seed, set with sow(-er), yield. See also: Genesis 1:11; Psalms 107:37; Psalms 97:11.

בּ֥וֹ bōw ". . ." Preposition | third person masculine singular

עֵ֖ץ ‘êṣ H6086 "-" Noun - masculine singular

This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.

Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax

Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.

זָ֑רַע zā·ra‘ H2233 "seed" Noun - masculine singular

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:50.

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה yih·yeh H1961 "They will be" Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3132 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לָכֶ֥ם lā·ḵem "yours" Preposition | second person masculine plural

לְאָכְלָֽה׃ lə·’āḵ·lāh H402 "for food" Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means food or something to eat, like in Psalm 78:25 where it describes manna from heaven. It can also mean being consumed by something, like fire or wild beasts. This word is used in many Old Testament stories.

Definition: 1) food 1a) food, eating 1b) object of devouring, consuming 1b1) by wild beasts (figurative) 1b2) in fire 1b3) of judgment (figurative)

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: consume, devour, eat, food, meat. See also: Genesis 1:29; Ezekiel 15:6; Ezekiel 39:4.

Study Notes — Genesis 1:29

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Context
Cross References
Genesis 1:29 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 1:29
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 1:29
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 1:29
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 1:29
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 1:29
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 1:29
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 1:29
Sermons on Genesis 1:29

Context — The Sixth Day

27So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.”

29Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food.

30And to every beast of the earth and every bird of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth—everything that has the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 9:3	Everything that lives and moves will be food for you; just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things.
2	Psalms 104:14–15	He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart.
3	Psalms 145:15–16	The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
4	Psalms 104:27–28	All creatures look to You to give them their food in due season. When You give it to them, they gather it up; when You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good things.
5	Acts 14:17	Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.”
6	Psalms 147:9	He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call.
7	Acts 17:28	‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’
8	Job 36:31	For by these He judges the nations and provides food in abundance.
9	Matthew 6:11	Give us this day our daily bread.
10	Psalms 24:1	The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein.

Genesis 1:29 Summary

God created plants and trees with seeds for humans to eat, as stated in Genesis 1:29. This shows that God cares about our needs and wants us to have food to eat, similar to how He provides for other creatures in Genesis 1:30. Just like God gives us food to eat, He also gives us the responsibility to take care of the earth and its resources, as seen in Genesis 1:28. By trusting in God's provision, we can live in harmony with the natural world and appreciate the beauty of His creation, just as God saw that it was very good in Genesis 1:31.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God gave humans every seed-bearing plant for food?

This means that God provided humans with a variety of plants that produce seeds, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, as a source of nutrition, as seen in Genesis 1:29. This is further supported by Genesis 1:30, where God also gives green plants as food for other creatures.

Is it true that humans were originally meant to be vegetarians?

According to Genesis 1:29, God initially provided humans with plants for food, but later, in Genesis 9:3, after the flood, God allowed humans to eat meat. This suggests that while plants were the original source of food, God later expanded the options for human sustenance.

How does this verse relate to our responsibility to care for the earth?

This verse implies that God has entrusted humans with the care of the earth and its resources, as stated in Genesis 1:28, where humans are given dominion over the earth. This responsibility includes managing and preserving the natural world, including the plants and animals that inhabit it.

What does 'they will be yours for food' mean in the context of Genesis 1:29?

This phrase means that the plants and trees God created are for human consumption and nourishment, emphasizing the provision and care God has for humanity, similar to how God provides for other creatures in Genesis 1:30.

Reflection Questions

How do I view the natural world and my place within it, in light of God's provision in Genesis 1:29?
In what ways can I express gratitude for the food and resources God has provided, as mentioned in Genesis 1:29?
How does recognizing God as the provider of all things, including the plants and trees mentioned in Genesis 1:29, impact my daily life and relationships?
What does it mean to 'subdue the earth' as stated in Genesis 1:28, and how does that relate to my role in caring for the environment?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 1:29

And God said,.... That is, to Adam and Eve, whom he had made in his image and likeness, and to whom he had given the dominion of the earth and sea, and all things in them: behold, I have given you

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 1:29

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 1:29

It is neither affirmed nor denied that flesh also was granted to the first men for food, and therefore we may safely be ignorant of it. It is sufficient for us that it was expressly allowed, .

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 1:29

Genesis 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.Ver. 29. Behold, I have given you.] By this "behold," God stirs up them and us to confidence, thankfulness, and obedience to so liberal a Lord, so bountiful a benefactor. And surely as iron put into the fire seems to be nothing but fire, so Adam, thus beloved of God, was turned into a lump of love, and bethinks himself what to do by way of retribution. All other creatures also willingly submitted to God’ s ordinance and man’ s service, well apaid of God’ s provision, that great housekeeper of the world, that hath continually so many millions at bed and board. This is intimated in that last clause.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 1:29

(29) Every herb bearing seed . . . every tree.—Of the three classes of plants enumerated in Genesis 1:11, the two most perfect kinds are given to man for his food; while in Genesis 1:30 the birds and animals have not merely the cryptogamous plants of the first class, but every green herb granted to them for their sustenance. We are not to suppose that they did not eat seeds and fruits, but that the fundamental supply for the maintenance of animal life was the blade and leaf, and that of human life the perfected seed and ripe fruit. Man is thus from the first pointed out as of a higher organisation than the animal; and the fact that his food is such as requires preparation and cooking has been the basis, not merely of most of the refinements of life, but even of the close union of the family. For what would become of it without the common meal? But undoubtedly the food originally assigned to man was vegetable; nor was express leave given to eat flesh until after the flood. Nevertheless the dominion given to man, in Genesis 1:28, over fish, bird, and animal, made it lawful for him to use them for his food; and the skins with which Adam and Eve were clothed on their expulsion from Paradise prove that animals had been already killed. After the fall, Abel’s sacrifice of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof, leads irresistibly to the conclusion that the flesh was eaten by the offerer and his family. In ancient times this was the rule. Flesh was not the staple of man’s diet, but the eating of it was a religious ceremony, at which certain portions were offered to God and burnt on His altar, and the rest consumed by man as the Deity’s guests. So we may well believe that until the flood the descendants of Seth partook of flesh rarely, and only at a sacrifice, but that after the flood a more free use of it was permitted.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 1:29

Verse 29. I have given you every herb - for meat.] It seems from this, says an eminent philosopher, that man was originally intended to live upon vegetables only; and as no change was made In the structure of men's bodies after the flood, it is not probable that any change was made in the articles of their food. It may also be inferred from this passage that no animal whatever was originally designed to prey on others; for nothing is here said to be given to any beast of the earth besides green herbs.-Dr. Priestley. Before sin entered into the world, there could be, at least, no violent deaths, if any death at all. But by the particular structure of the teeth of animals God prepared them for that kind of aliment which they were to subsist on after the FALL.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 1:29

29. Provision of Food In this verse God gives food to mankind consisting of the seed-bearing herbs and the fruit of trees. By comparison with Genesis 9:3, we see that the writer believed that, until after the Flood, mankind subsisted upon a purely vegetable diet. It may be asked how, if this were the case, man had the opportunity of exercising his dominion over fish, birds, and beasts: if he did not wish to eat them, neither would he wish to kill them. The truth seems to be that, according to the P version of Hebrew tradition, the first generations of mankind were intended to live, without bloodshed or violence, in an ideal condition, like that predicted by Isaiah (Genesis 11:6-9), “they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain.” The prophet’s words, “a little child shall lead them,” imply a dominion over the animal world which does not rest upon force.

Sermons on Genesis 1:29

	Sermon	Description
	Our Awesome God - Part 1 by Chuck Smith	This sermon delves into the profound wisdom and knowledge of God as revealed in Romans 11, emphasizing the intricate design and balance in creation that sustains life on Earth. It
	Health - What Does the Bible Say? by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman addresses the biblical perspective on health and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of stewardship over our bodies and the need to return to God's design for eatin
	We Should Be thankful... by Walter Wilson	In a sermon by Walter Wilson, he emphasizes the intricate design of the human body, pointing out how God's thoughtful creation includes joints with 'stoppers' to prevent overextens
	Anti-Booze Efforts by Billy Sunday	Billy Sunday passionately preaches against alcohol, expressing his determination to combat the saloon culture that he believes leads to the destruction of lives and families. He em
	Rahab - Example of Faith by Billy Strachan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses various aspects of faith and action in the context of biblical stories. He emphasizes the importance of not just hearing and believing the me
	Man's Misconceptions of the Works of God. by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar emphasizes that God's governance and judgment over nations are evident through natural phenomena, which serve as His voice and means of communication with humanity.
	Of the Providence of God. by John Gill	John Gill expounds on the providence of God, emphasizing that it is the divine governance and care over all creation. He explains that God's providence is distinct from foreknowled