Genesis 7:16
Genesis 7:16 in Multiple Translations
And they entered, the male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the LORD shut him in.
And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.
And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God commanded him: and Jehovah shut him in.
Male and female of all flesh went in, as God had said, and the ark was shut by the Lord.
A male and a female of every creature entered, as God had told Noah. Then the Lord shut the door behind him.
And they entring in, came male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the Lord shut him in.
and they that are coming in, male and female of all flesh, have come in as God hath commanded him, and Jehovah doth close [it] for him.
Those who went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God commanded him; then the LORD shut him in.
And they that entered, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.
And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the Lord shut him in on the outside.
There was a male and a female of each animal that came to Noah, just as God had said they would do. After they were all in the boat, God shut the door.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 7:16
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 7:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/בָּאִ֗ים
זָכָ֨ר
וּ/נְקֵבָ֤ה
מִ/כָּל
בָּשָׂר֙
בָּ֔אוּ
כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
צִוָּ֥ה
אֹת֖/וֹ
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
וַ/יִּסְגֹּ֥ר
יְהוָ֖ה
בַּֽעֲדֽ/וֹ
וְ/הַ/בָּאִ֗ים
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | Art | V-Qal
זָכָ֨ר
zâkâr
H2145
male
Adj
וּ/נְקֵבָ֤ה
nᵉqêbâh
H5347
female
Conj | N-fs
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
בָּשָׂר֙
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms
בָּ֔אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וַ/יִּסְגֹּ֥ר
çâgar
H5462
to shut
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בַּֽעֲדֽ/וֹ
bᵉʻad
H1157
about/through/for
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 7:16
וְ/הַ/בָּאִ֗ים
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | Art | V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
זָכָ֨ר
zâkâr
H2145
"male"
Adj
This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.
Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.
וּ/נְקֵבָ֤ה
nᵉqêbâh
H5347
"female"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means female, referring to a woman, girl, or female animal. It is used in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus, to describe the female sex.
Definition: 1) female 1a) woman, female child 1b) female animal
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: female. See also: Genesis 1:27; Leviticus 12:5; Jeremiah 31:22.
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
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 4242 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.
בָּשָׂר֙
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
בָּ֔אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
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.
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
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 2246 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.
וַ/יִּסְגֹּ֥ר
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בַּֽעֲדֽ/וֹ
bᵉʻad
H1157
"about/through/for"
Prep | Suff
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 7:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 7:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 7:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 7:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 7:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 7:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 7:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 7:16
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 7:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 7:16
- Sermons on Genesis 7:16
Context — The Great Flood
14they and every kind of wild animal, livestock, crawling creature, bird, and winged creature.
15They came to Noah to enter the ark, two by two of every creature with the breath of life.
16And they entered, the male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the LORD shut him in.
17For forty days the flood kept coming on the earth, and the waters rose and lifted the ark high above the earth. 18So the waters continued to surge and rise greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the waters.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 25:10 | But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. |
| 2 | Luke 13:25 | After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ But he will reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ |
| 3 | Psalms 91:1–10 | He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague. He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon. Though a thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, no harm will come near you. You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling— my refuge, the Most High— no evil will befall you, no plague will approach your tent. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 4:4–5 | Then go inside, shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour oil into all these jars, setting the full ones aside.” So she left him, and after she had shut the door behind her and her sons, they kept bringing jars to her, and she kept pouring. |
| 5 | Genesis 7:2–3 | You are to take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate; a pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate; and seven pairs of every kind of bird of the air, male and female, to preserve their offspring on the face of all the earth. |
| 6 | John 10:27–30 | My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” |
| 7 | 1 Peter 1:5 | who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. |
| 8 | Psalms 46:2 | Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 33:27 | The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He drives out the enemy before you, giving the command, ‘Destroy him!’ |
| 10 | Proverbs 3:23 | Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. |
Genesis 7:16 Summary
Genesis 7:16 tells us that all the animals, as well as Noah and his family, entered the ark as God had commanded. Then, the LORD shut them in, protecting them from the flood that was about to come. This shows us that God is a God of protection and care, who wants to keep us safe from harm (as seen in Psalm 91:4). Just like Noah, we can trust in God's sovereignty and control, knowing that He has a plan to save and redeem us, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD shut Noah in?
This act signifies God's protection and care for Noah and his family, as well as the animals, as they were about to face the flood (Genesis 7:16). It also highlights God's sovereignty and control over all events, as seen in Psalm 31:20.
How did all the animals fit on the ark?
According to Genesis 6:15 and Genesis 7:16, God commanded Noah to build the ark with specific dimensions, and He also brought the animals to Noah, ensuring that every kind of living thing would be represented, as stated in Genesis 7:14-15.
What is the significance of the male and female of every living thing entering the ark?
This emphasizes God's plan to preserve and restart life on earth after the flood, as stated in Genesis 7:16, and is a testament to His desire to maintain the natural order and balance of creation, as seen in Genesis 1:25-31.
Is this event a foreshadowing of any future events in the Bible?
Yes, the ark and the flood can be seen as a type of salvation, where God saves His people from judgment, similar to the salvation we experience through Jesus Christ, as described in 1 Peter 3:20-21 and Hebrews 11:7.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be 'shut in' by God, and how can I apply this concept to my own life?
- How does the obedience of Noah and his family serve as an example for me in my own walk with God?
- What does the preservation of every kind of living thing on the ark reveal about God's character and heart?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty and control in my life, just as Noah did during the flood?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 7:16
And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh,.... These pairs were not two males or two females, but one male and one female; so they were coupled for the propagation of their species,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 7:16
And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. As God had commanded him: and the Lord shut him in.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 7:16
Or, shut the door after him, or upon him, or for him, i.e. his good and safety, against the fury either of the waters or of the people. This God did in some extraordinary manner.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 7:16
Genesis 7:16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.Ver. 16. And the Lord shut him in.] A mean office, one would think, for God to shut the door after Noah. He could not well do it himself, the door doubtless being great and heavy, and others that were without would not do him so much service. God therefore doth it himself, and therefore it could not but be well done indeed. In a case of necessity, we need not question God’ s readiness to do us any good office, so long as we keep close to him in a holy communion. In a letter of B. Hooper’ s, to certain good people, taken praying in Bow churchyard, and now in trouble, thus he writes; - "Read the second chapter of Luke; there the shepherds that watched upon their sheep all night, as soon as they heard Christ was born at Bethlehem, by and by they went to see him. They did not reason, nor debate with themselves, who should keep the wolf from the sheep in the meanwhile; but did as they were commanded, and committed their sheep to him, whose pleasure they obeyed. So let us do. Now we be called, commit all other things to him that calleth us.
He will take heed that all things shall be well: he will help the husband, comfort the wife, guide the servants, keep the house, preserve the goods: yea, rather than it shall be undone, he will wash the dishes, and rock the cradle. Cast therefore all your care upon God," &c. Thus he. Act. and Mon., fol. 1347.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 7:16
(16) The Lord (Jehovah) shut him in.—The assigning to Jehovah of this act of personal care for Noah is very remarkable. In the Chaldean Genesis (p. 283), the Deity commands Xisuthrus to shut himself in.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 7:16
Verse 16. The Lord shut him in.] This seems to imply that God took him under his especial protection, and as he shut HIM in, so he shut the OTHERS out. God had waited one hundred and twenty years upon that generation; they did not repent; they filled up the measure of their iniquities, and then wrath came upon them to the uttermost.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 7:16
13–16a (P). The Entrance into the Ark, according to P The repetition of what has already been narrated in Genesis 7:7-9 can hardly fail to strike the reader; and, without our recognition of the composite elements which are here interwoven, it would be unintelligible.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 7:16
16. The Lord shut him in — Noah in the ark was encompassed by the arms of the covenant-keeping God. While the elemental war raged so fiercely above and beneath, he was shut in with Jehovah.
Sermons on Genesis 7:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Pure Heart - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares various stories and examples to emphasize the importance of being careful with our actions and choices. He highlights the concept of reaping wha |
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How Did Noah's Flood Happen? a Theory by Kent Hovind | The video covers various topics related to the preaching of the word of God. It starts by encouraging individuals to take action in spreading the message of Christ, even if they fe |
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The Flood by Bill Randles | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the world, despite its glitter and glamour, is under judgment and wrath. He warns against getting too excited about worldly things, suc |
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Jonah - Part 4 by Dai Patterson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah and his anger. He highlights three instances in chapter 4 where Jonah is angry. The preacher emphasizes that it is the or |
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(Through the Bible) Genesis - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the stories of Enoch and Noah from Genesis, highlighting the importance of walking with God amidst a world of sin and judgment. It emphasizes the need to ch |
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The Violent Take the Kingdom of Heaven by Force by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of being diligent and vigilant in our pursuit of the kingdom of God. He contrasts the violent opposition faced by Christians |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 36-39 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker urges the audience to be ready for the coming of the Lord. He encourages them to open their hearts to God and the Spirit, as God wants to pour out His S |