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Genesis 8:17 - Repopulate earth with all creatures

Genesis 8:17 - בראשית 8:17

Hebrew Text

כָּל־הַחַיָּה אֲשֶׁר־אִתְּךָ מִכָּל־בָּשָׂר בָּעוֹף וּבַבְּהֵמָה וּבְכָל־הָרֶמֶשׂ הָרֹמֵשׂ עַל־הָאָרֶץ הוצא [הַיְצֵא] אִתָּךְ וְשָׁרְצוּ בָאָרֶץ וּפָרוּ וְרָבוּ עַל־הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

Bring out with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of birds, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creeps on the earth; that they may breed abundantly on the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.

Transliteration

Kol-hachayah asher-itkha mikol-basar ba'of uvabehemah uvkhol-haremes haromes al-ha'aretz hotze [hayetze] itakh veshartzu va'aretz ufaru veravu al-ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

כׇּל־הַחַיָּ֨ה אֲשֶֽׁר־אִתְּךָ֜ מִכׇּל־בָּשָׂ֗ר בָּע֧וֹף וּבַבְּהֵמָ֛ה וּבְכׇל־הָרֶ֛מֶשׂ הָרֹמֵ֥שׂ עַל־הָאָ֖רֶץ <span class="mam-kq"><span class="mam-kq-k">(הוצא)</span> <span class="mam-kq-q">[הַיְצֵ֣א]</span></span> אִתָּ֑ךְ וְשָֽׁרְצ֣וּ בָאָ֔רֶץ וּפָר֥וּ וְרָב֖וּ עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃
כׇּל־הַחַיָּ֨ה אֲשֶֽׁר־אִתְּךָ֜ מִכׇּל־בָּשָׂ֗ר בָּע֧וֹף וּבַבְּהֵמָ֛ה וּבְכׇל־הָרֶ֛מֶשׂ הָרֹמֵ֥שׂ עַל־הָאָ֖רֶץ (הוצא) [הַיְצֵ֣א] אִתָּ֑ךְ וְשָֽׁרְצ֣וּ בָאָ֔רֶץ וּפָר֥וּ וְרָב֖וּ עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Noach's Narrative

This verse (Bereishit 8:17) appears as Hashem commands Noach to release the animals from the Ark after the floodwaters have receded. The instruction emphasizes repopulating the earth, echoing the original command to living creatures in Bereishit 1:22. Rashi notes that this parallels the blessing given at creation, reinforcing that Hashem's covenant with creation endures despite the flood's destruction.

Language and Terminology

The phrase "הוצא איתך" ("bring out with thee") is interpreted by the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 34:7) as implying Noach's active partnership in rebuilding the world. The Sforno explains that Noach was responsible not only for saving the animals but also ensuring their successful reintegration into the natural world.

Categories of Animals

  • Birds, Cattle, and Creeping Things: The threefold classification mirrors their initial creation (Bereishit 1:20-25). Ramban observes that this structure highlights the completeness of Hashem's plan for all living beings.
  • "כל הרמש הרומש": The double language of "creeping things that creep" (רמש/רומש) is interpreted by the Baal HaTurim as alluding to both physical creatures and spiritual forces, suggesting a holistic renewal of the natural and metaphysical worlds.

Repopulation Command

The verbs "ושרו... ופרו ורבו" ("breed abundantly... be fruitful and multiply") echo the original blessing in Bereishit 1:22. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) derives from this that Noach's Ark preserved not just individual animals but the fundamental reproductive capacities of all species. The Malbim emphasizes that this was a divine assurance that nature's order would be restored.

Noach's Role in Restoration

Chizkuni notes that the phrase "איתך" ("with thee") underscores Noach's ongoing responsibility—having saved the animals, he must now facilitate their flourishing. This reflects the broader Torah principle that human beings are stewards of creation (see Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 6:10 on environmental responsibility).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 8:17 mean?
A: Genesis 8:17 is part of the story of Noah after the flood. Hashem commands Noah to bring out all the animals from the ark so they can repopulate the earth. This verse emphasizes the renewal of life after the destruction of the flood, showing Hashem's mercy and desire for creation to continue.
Q: Why is Genesis 8:17 important?
A: This verse is important because it marks a new beginning for the world after the flood. It shows Hashem's covenant with all living creatures to sustain life on earth. The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that this command ensures the continuation of all species, reflecting the divine plan for creation.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 8:17?
A: We learn that Hashem values all forms of life and desires their preservation. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah) teaches that this verse highlights humanity's responsibility to care for animals and the environment, as Noah was entrusted with their survival. It also reminds us of Hashem's kindness in giving the world a fresh start.
Q: How does Genesis 8:17 apply today?
A: This verse reminds us of our duty to protect and respect all living creatures, as they are part of Hashem's creation. The Talmud (Chullin 7b) discusses the ethical treatment of animals, deriving lessons from Noah's care for them. Today, this teaches us the importance of environmental stewardship and kindness to animals.
Q: Why did Hashem tell Noah to bring out the animals?
A: Hashem commanded Noah to release the animals so they could multiply and repopulate the earth after the flood. Rashi explains that this was to fulfill the original purpose of creation, where Hashem blessed all creatures to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:22). It shows that life continues under Hashem's guidance.