Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 1:30 mean?
A: Genesis 1:30 describes Hashem's original plan for the world, where all animals—beasts, birds, and creeping creatures—were given green plants and vegetation as their food. According to Rashi, this shows that in the beginning, even carnivorous animals were meant to be herbivores, and there was no killing or predation. This changed after the Flood (see Genesis 9:3).
Q: Why is Genesis 1:30 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it teaches about the ideal state of creation—peace and harmony among all living beings. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains that this reflects Hashem's desire for a world without violence. It also highlights the concept of tza'ar ba'alei chayim (avoiding cruelty to animals), as originally, animals were not meant to suffer for food.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 1:30 today?
A: We learn that Hashem's original design was for a peaceful world where all creatures lived without harming one another. While humans are now permitted to eat meat (after the Flood), this verse reminds us to treat animals with kindness and avoid unnecessary harm. The Rambam (Hilchot Rotzeach 13:9) teaches that even when permitted to use animals, we must minimize their suffering.
Q: Does Genesis 1:30 mean humans were originally vegetarian?
A: Yes, according to traditional Jewish sources, humans were originally meant to eat only plants. Rashi (on Genesis 1:29) explains that Adam and Chava were given permission to eat fruits, grains, and vegetation—not animals. Meat was only permitted later, after the Flood (Genesis 9:3). This teaches that vegetarianism aligns with the ideal state of creation.
Q: How does Genesis 1:30 relate to the concept of shalom (peace) in Judaism?
A: This verse embodies the ideal of shalom—complete harmony in creation, where no creature harms another. The Talmud (Shabbat 151b) teaches that in the future Messianic era, the world will return to this peaceful state, as prophesied in Isaiah 11:6-9 ('The wolf shall dwell with the lamb...'). Until then, we strive to emulate this peace in our treatment of animals and the environment.
Context in Creation
This verse (Bereishit 1:30) concludes Hashem's provision for all living creatures during the six days of creation. Rashi explains that this demonstrates Hashem's compassion, ensuring sustenance for all creatures from the very beginning. Unlike humans, who were given permission to eat meat only after the flood (Bereishit 9:3), animals were originally designated a vegetarian diet.
The Nature of Animal Sustenance
Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:48) notes that this verse reflects the divine wisdom in creation—each species receives appropriate nourishment. The phrase "every green herb for food" indicates that herbivorous animals were created to sustain themselves without predation, aligning with the original harmony of creation before human sin introduced imbalance.
Spiritual Symbolism
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 20:19) connects this verse to the ideal state of the world, where all creatures lived peacefully. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 59b) further teaches that Adam and Chava were initially permitted only plants, emphasizing that violence—even among animals—was not part of Hashem's original plan.
Halachic Implications
Ethical Lessons
The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) observes that the phrase "and it was so" confirms the permanence of Hashem's decree. This implies that humanity, as stewards of creation, must ensure animals' access to food—a foundation for the mitzvah of tza'ar ba'alei chayim (preventing animal suffering).