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Genesis 1:29 - Divine vegetarian diet granted.

Genesis 1:29 - בראשית 1:29

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים הִנֵּה נָתַתִּי לָכֶם אֶת־כָּל־עֵשֶׂב זֹרֵעַ זֶרַע אֲשֶׁר עַל־פְּנֵי כָל־הָאָרֶץ וְאֶת־כָּל־הָעֵץ אֲשֶׁר־בּוֹ פְרִי־עֵץ זֹרֵעַ זָרַע לָכֶם יִהְיֶה לְאָכְלָה׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

Vayomer Elohim hineh natati lakhem et-kol-esev zorea zera asher al-pnei kol-ha'aretz ve'et-kol-ha'etz asher-bo pri-etz zorea zera lakhem yihyeh le'okhlah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים הִנֵּה֩ נָתַ֨תִּי לָכֶ֜ם אֶת־כׇּל־עֵ֣שֶׂב <b>׀</b> זֹרֵ֣עַ זֶ֗רַע אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל־פְּנֵ֣י כׇל־הָאָ֔רֶץ וְאֶת־כׇּל־הָעֵ֛ץ אֲשֶׁר־בּ֥וֹ פְרִי־עֵ֖ץ זֹרֵ֣עַ זָ֑רַע לָכֶ֥ם יִֽהְיֶ֖ה לְאׇכְלָֽה׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים הִנֵּה֩ נָתַ֨תִּי לָכֶ֜ם אֶת־כׇּל־עֵ֣שֶׂב ׀ זֹרֵ֣עַ זֶ֗רַע אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל־פְּנֵ֣י כׇל־הָאָ֔רֶץ וְאֶת־כׇּל־הָעֵ֛ץ אֲשֶׁר־בּ֥וֹ פְרִי־עֵ֖ץ זֹרֵ֣עַ זָ֑רַע לָכֶ֥ם יִֽהְיֶ֖ה לְאׇכְלָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Divine Provision of Vegetation for Humanity

The verse (Bereshit 1:29) describes Hashem granting Adam and Chava permission to eat from all seed-bearing plants and trees. Rashi explains that this was the original dietary plan for mankind before the sin of Adam Harishon, when humans were permitted only plant-based foods. The Ramban adds that this demonstrates Hashem's kindness in providing abundant sustenance directly from the earth.

The Distinction Between Herbs and Trees

The Torah makes a distinction between:

  • עֵשֶׂב זֹרֵעַ זֶרַע (herbs bearing seed) - According to the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah), this refers to vegetables and grains that must be replanted annually
  • עֵץ אֲשֶׁר־בּוֹ פְרִי־עֵץ זֹרֵעַ זָרַע (trees yielding seed-bearing fruit) - These are perennial fruit trees that continue producing year after year

The Sanctity of Food

The Sforno notes that the phrase "לָכֶם יִהְיֶה לְאָכְלָה" (to you it shall be for food) implies that these foods were given specifically for human benefit and consumption, teaching that eating should be done with proper intention and gratitude. The Talmud (Berachot 35a) derives from this verse that one must recite blessings before eating, recognizing Hashem as the ultimate provider.

Ethical Consumption

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the wording "הִנֵּה נָתַתִּי" (Behold I have given) indicates a gift with conditions - that humanity must use these resources responsibly. This establishes the Jewish concept of ethical consumption and environmental stewardship (Bal Tashchit).

Pre-Sin Dietary Laws

According to Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 9:1), this verse represents the original, ideal state of creation where killing animals for food was unnecessary. Only after the Flood was meat permitted (as seen in Bereshit 9:3), showing a progression in human dietary allowances based on spiritual levels.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 59b
The verse is discussed in the context of the dietary laws given to Adam and Eve, contrasting them with the later laws given to Noah and the Israelites.
📖 Avodah Zarah 54b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the permissibility of certain foods and the original dietary permissions granted to humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 1:29 mean?
A: Genesis 1:29 describes Hashem's commandment to Adam and Chava (Eve) in Gan Eden, granting them permission to eat from all plants and trees that produce seeds. According to Rashi, this verse establishes the original vegetarian diet intended for humanity before the later permission to eat meat (after the Flood in Noach's time).
Q: Why is Genesis 1:29 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it shows Hashem's original plan for human sustenance - a plant-based diet. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 4:1) later teaches about balanced eating, and this verse serves as a foundation for understanding kosher dietary principles. It also teaches gratitude for Hashem's provisions.
Q: Does Genesis 1:29 mean Jews should be vegetarian?
A: While this verse describes the original ideal state, Halacha (Jewish law) permits eating meat after certain conditions (see Genesis 9:3). However, many Jewish thinkers like Rav Kook saw vegetarianism as an ideal to strive toward in the Messianic era. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 59b) discusses how meat consumption was only permitted later.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 1:29 today?
A: We learn several lessons: 1) All food ultimately comes from Hashem 2) We must treat plants and nature with respect (bal tashchis - prohibition against waste) 3) Our eating should be purposeful, not just for pleasure. The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah) connects this to proper intentions when eating.
Q: How does Genesis 1:29 relate to kosher laws?
A: This verse establishes that all seed-bearing plants are inherently kosher, forming the basis for kosher vegetarian foods. Later Torah laws (like checking for insects) add requirements, but the fundamental permissibility stems from this verse. The Talmud (Chullin 17a) discusses how this differs from meat kosher laws which came later.