Genesis 9:2

Genesis 9:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The fear and dread of you will fall on every living creature on the earth, every bird of the air, every creature that crawls on the ground, and all the fish of the sea. They are delivered into your hand.

King James Version KJV

And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.

American Standard Version ASV

And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every bird of the heavens; with all wherewith the ground teemeth, and all the fishes of the sea, into your hand are they delivered.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the fear of you will be strong in every beast of the earth and every bird of the air; everything which goes on the land, and all the fishes of the sea, are given into your hands.

Free Bible Version FBV

All animals will be very afraid of you—this includes all the birds, all the creatures that run along the ground, and all the fish in the sea. You are in charge of them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also the feare of you, and the dread of you shalbe vpon euery beast of the earth, and vpon euery foule of the heauen, vpon all that moueth on the earth, and vpon all the fishes of the sea: into your hand are they deliuered.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and your fear and your dread is on every beast of the earth, and on every fowl of the heavens, on all that creepeth on the ground, and on all fishes of the sea — into your hand they have been given.

World English Bible WEB

The fear of you and the dread of you will be on every animal of the earth, and on every bird of the sky. Everything that moves along the ground, and all the fish of the sea, are delivered into your hand.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth on the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And let the fear and dread of you be upon all the beasts of the earth, and upon all the fowls of the air, and all that move upon the earth: all the fishes of the sea are delivered into your hand.

Translation for Translators T4T

All the wild animals on the earth and all the birds, all the creatures that scurry across the ground, and all the fish, will be very afraid [DOU] of you. I have put them under your control.

Plain English Version PEV

I’m making you boss over everything that lives on the ground, all the animals and all the birds, and I’m making you boss over the fish and everything in the sea too. They will be frightened of you.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 9:2

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 9:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/מוֹרַאֲ/כֶ֤ם וְ/חִתְּ/כֶם֙ יִֽהְיֶ֔ה עַ֚ל כָּל חַיַּ֣ת הָ/אָ֔רֶץ וְ/עַ֖ל כָּל ע֣וֹף הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם בְּ/כֹל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּרְמֹ֧שׂ הָֽ/אֲדָמָ֛ה וּֽ/בְ/כָל דְּגֵ֥י הַ/יָּ֖ם בְּ/יֶדְ/כֶ֥ם נִתָּֽנוּ

וּ/מוֹרַאֲ/כֶ֤ם môwrâʼ H4172 fear Conj | N-ms | Suff

וְ/חִתְּ/כֶם֙ chath H2844 terror Conj | N-ms | Suff

יִֽהְיֶ֔ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

עַ֚ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

חַיַּ֣ת chay H2416 alive N-fs

הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

וְ/עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

ע֣וֹף ʻôwph H5775 bird N-ms

הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven Art | N-mp

בְּ/כֹל֩ kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

תִּרְמֹ֧שׂ râmas H7430 to creep V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

הָֽ/אֲדָמָ֛ה ʼădâmâh H127 land Art | N-fs

וּֽ/בְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | Prep | N-ms

דְּגֵ֥י dâg H1709 fish N-mp

הַ/יָּ֖ם yâm H3220 West Art | N-ms

בְּ/יֶדְ/כֶ֥ם yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff

נִתָּֽנוּ nâthan H5414 to give V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 9:2

וּ/מוֹרַאֲ/כֶ֤ם môwrâʼ H4172 "fear" Conj | N-ms | Suff

Fear or terror, this word is used in the Bible to describe a feeling of awe or dread, often in response to God's power or presence. It is used in the book of Isaiah to describe the fear of God.

Definition: 1) fear, reverence, terror 1a) fear, terror 1b) reverence 1c) object of reverence 1d) awe-inspiring spectacle or deed Also means: mo.rah (מוֹרָה "fear" H4172B)

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: dread, (that ought to be) fear(-ed), terribleness, terror. See also: Genesis 9:2; Psalms 76:12; Psalms 9:21.

וְ/חִתְּ/כֶם֙ chath H2844 "terror" Conj | N-ms | Suff

Can mean shattered, crushed, or afraid, conveying a sense of being broken or terrified, as in feeling dread or fear.

Definition: fear, terror

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: broken, dismayed, dread, fear. See also: Genesis 9:2; Job 41:25; Isaiah 7:8.

יִֽהְיֶ֔ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

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 3131 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.

עַ֚ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

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 4493 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.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" 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.

חַיַּ֣ת chay H2416 "alive" N-fs

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

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.

וְ/עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

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.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

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

ע֣וֹף ʻôwph H5775 "bird" N-ms

In the Bible, this word simply means a bird, like the ones that fly in the sky. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms, often symbolizing freedom.

Definition: 1) flying creatures, fowl, insects, birds 1a) fowl, birds 1b) winged insects Aramaic equivalent: oph (עוֹף "bird" H5776)

Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: bird, that flieth, flying, fowl. See also: Genesis 1:20; 1 Samuel 17:46; Psalms 50:11.

הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

בְּ/כֹל֩ kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" 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.

תִּרְמֹ֧שׂ râmas H7430 "to creep" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

This Hebrew word means to creep or move lightly, often used to describe the movement of animals. It appears in the Bible to describe the action of creeping things, such as insects or reptiles. In KJV translations, it is rendered as 'creep' or 'move'.

Definition: 1) to creep, move lightly, move about, walk on all fours 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to creep, teem (of all creeping things) 1a2) to creep (of animals) 1a3) to move lightly, glide about (of water animals) 1a4) to move about (of all land animals generally)

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: creep, move. See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 8:19; Psalms 69:35.

הָֽ/אֲדָמָ֛ה ʼădâmâh H127 "land" Art | N-fs

This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.

Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.

וּֽ/בְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | Prep | N-ms

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

דְּגֵ֥י dâg H1709 "fish" N-mp

This Hebrew word means fish, often referring to a group of fish. It is used in various biblical stories, including those about Jesus and fishing.

Definition: fish

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: fish. See also: Genesis 9:2; Psalms 8:9; Zephaniah 1:10.

הַ/יָּ֖ם yâm H3220 "West" Art | N-ms

Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.

Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)

Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.

בְּ/יֶדְ/כֶ֥ם yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

נִתָּֽנוּ nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

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 1816 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.

Study Notes — Genesis 9:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 9:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 9:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 9:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 9:2
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 9:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 9:2
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 9:2
Sermons on Genesis 9:2

Context — The Covenant of the Rainbow

1And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.

2The fear and dread of you will fall on every living creature on the earth, every bird of the air, every creature that crawls on the ground, and all the fish of the sea. They are delivered into your hand.

3Everything that lives and moves will be food for you; just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things. 4But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 8:4–8	what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet: all sheep and oxen, and even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
2	Genesis 1:28	God 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.”
3	James 3:7	All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,
4	Job 5:22–23	You will laugh at destruction and famine, and need not fear the beasts of the earth. For you will have a covenant with the stones of the field, and the wild animals will be at peace with you.
5	Leviticus 26:6	And I will give peace to the land, and you will lie down with nothing to fear. I will rid the land of dangerous animals, and no sword will pass through your land.
6	Hosea 2:18	On that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the creatures that crawl on the ground. And I will abolish bow and sword and weapons of war in the land, and will make them lie down in safety.
7	Ezekiel 34:25	I will make with them a covenant of peace and rid the land of wild animals, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest.
8	Genesis 35:5	As they set out, a terror from God fell over the surrounding cities, so that they did not pursue Jacob’s sons.
9	Genesis 2:19	And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and He brought them to the man to see what he would name each one. And whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.
10	Leviticus 26:22	I will send wild animals against you to rob you of your children, destroy your livestock, and reduce your numbers, until your roads lie desolate.

Genesis 9:2 Summary

This verse means that God has given humans a special role in the world, to take care of and manage the earth and all its creatures, as seen in Genesis 1:28. This is a big responsibility, and it means that we need to be careful and thoughtful in how we treat the earth and its animals, as mentioned in Psalm 24:1. We need to remember that God is the one who created the earth and all its creatures, and that we are accountable to Him for how we care for them, as seen in Genesis 9:2 and Romans 14:12. By following God's commands and being good stewards of the earth, we can show our love and respect for Him and for the world He created, as seen in Matthew 25:40.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for every living creature to have fear and dread of humans?

This means that humans have been given authority over the earth and its creatures, as seen in Genesis 9:2, and is a reminder of the responsibility that comes with this authority, as mentioned in Genesis 1:28.

Does this verse mean that humans can do whatever they want to animals?

No, this verse does not give humans carte blanche to mistreat or abuse animals, but rather emphasizes the importance of responsible stewardship, as seen in Genesis 1:28 and Psalm 24:1.

How does this verse relate to the concept of dominion?

This verse is a direct result of the dominion mandate given in Genesis 1:28, where God commands humans to rule over and care for the earth and its creatures, and is further emphasized in Genesis 9:2 as a reminder of humanity's role in the world.

What is the significance of the phrase 'they are delivered into your hand'?

This phrase signifies that God has given humans the authority and responsibility to care for and manage the earth's creatures, as seen in Genesis 9:2 and Psalm 8:6-8, and is a reminder of the trust that God has placed in humanity.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can demonstrate responsible stewardship over the earth and its creatures in my daily life?
How can I balance the need to use the earth's resources with the need to protect and preserve them for future generations, as seen in Genesis 9:2 and Psalm 104:24?
What are some ways that I can show respect and care for the animals that God has placed under my care, as mentioned in Proverbs 12:10?
How can I use my authority and influence to promote the well-being and flourishing of all living creatures, as seen in Genesis 1:28 and Matthew 25:40?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 9:2

And the fear or you, and the dread of you, shall be upon every beast of the earth,.... This is a renewal, at least in part, of the grant of dominion to Adam over all the creatures; these obeyed him

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 9:2

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 9:2

Before they loved and reverenced you as lords and friends, now they shall dread you as enemies and tyrants. Into your hand are they delivered, for your use and service. I restore you in part to that dominion over them which you for your sins have forfeited.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 9:2

Genesis 9:2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth [upon] the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.Ver. 2. And the fear of you, &c.] Timor, quo a bestiis timeamini, et terror quo bestias terreatis .( Piscat.) This is a piece of God’ s image yet remaining to man, that every nature of wild beasts, birds, creeping things, and things in the sea is tamed, and hath been tamed of the nature of man. Monoceros interimi potest, capi non potest . - Solin.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 9:2

Verse 2. The fear of you and the dread, c.] Prior to the fall, man ruled the inferior animals by love and kindness, for then gentleness and docility were their principal characteristics. After the fall, untractableness, with savage ferocity, prevailed among almost all orders of the brute creation enmity to man seems particularly to prevail; and had not God in his mercy impressed their minds with the fear and terror of man, so that some submit to his will while others flee from his residence, the human race would long ere this have been totally destroyed by the beasts of the field. Did the horse know his own strength, and the weakness of the miserable wretch who unmercifully rides, drives, whips, goads, and oppresses him, would he not with one stroke of his hoof destroy his tyrant possessor? But while God hides these things from him he impresses his mind with the fear of his owner, so that either by cheerful or sullen submission he is trained up for, and employed in, the most useful and important purposes; and even willingly submits, when tortured for the sport and amusement of his more bruitish oppressor. Tigers, wolves, lions, and hyaenas, the determinate foes of man, incapable of being tamed or domesticated, flee, through the principle of terror, from the dwelling of man, and thus he is providentially safe. Hence, by fear and by dread man rules every beast of the earth, every fowl of the air, and every fish of the sea. How wise and gracious is this order of the Divine providence! and with what thankfulness should it be considered by every human being!

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 9:2

2. the fear of you and the dread of you] This is a new feature in God’s ordering of the world. Hitherto (Genesis 1:28) man had received the command (1) to replenish the earth, (2) to subdue it, (3) to have dominion over the animals. Now, however, a new stage is reached. Man hereafter is invested with the right to take the life of animals for food. The animals, therefore, are in a new measure placed at the mercy of man; and “the fear and the dread” of him are associated with man’s fresh prerogatives. teemeth] R.V. marg. creepeth, as in Genesis 1:29-30 (P). into your hand … delivered] i.e. placed at the mercy of you who now have absolute power. Cf. Deuteronomy 19:12, “deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.”

Sermons on Genesis 9:2

	Sermon	Description
	What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the nature of God and highlights several characteristics of God mentioned in the scripture. He emphasizes that God is right, truth, light, li
	(Hebrews - Part 7): Inspiration and Revelation by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the question posed by King David in Psalm 8:4, "What is man that you are mindful of him?" He acknowledges that when we look at the vastness o
	(Hebrews - Part 9): What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him? by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the wickedness of mankind and how our daily conduct is evidence of our guilt. He argues that anyone who doubts the fall of man and the iniqu
	(The Chief End of Man - Part 2): A Mirror of the Almighty by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the tragic nature of the world we live in. He mentions a recent tragic incident where five children drowned in a car accident, highlighting t
	We See Jesus by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus amidst the brokenness and chaos of the world. It highlights the need to see Jesus in every situation, to maintain faith a
	K-042 True Manhood by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of complete surrender to God. He describes surrender as falling on one's face before God in utter submission. The speaker warn
	A Story Within a Story by Dennis Kinlaw	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the brutal and violent realities of the world we live in, including the rape and murder of innocent people. He shares a story of a girl who wa