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Genesis 6:19 - Pairs preserve divine creation's balance?

Genesis 6:19 - בראשית 6:19

Hebrew Text

וּמִכָּל־הָחַי מִכָּל־בָּשָׂר שְׁנַיִם מִכֹּל תָּבִיא אֶל־הַתֵּבָה לְהַחֲיֹת אִתָּךְ זָכָר וּנְקֵבָה יִהְיוּ׃

English Translation

And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.

Transliteration

U'mikol-hachay mikol-basar shnayim mikol tavi el-hateva lehachayot itach zachar unekeva yihyu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִכׇּל־הָ֠חַ֠י מִֽכׇּל־בָּשָׂ֞ר שְׁנַ֧יִם מִכֹּ֛ל תָּבִ֥יא אֶל־הַתֵּבָ֖ה לְהַחֲיֹ֣ת אִתָּ֑ךְ זָכָ֥ר וּנְקֵבָ֖ה יִֽהְיֽוּ׃
וּמִכׇּל־הָ֠חַ֠י מִֽכׇּל־בָּשָׂ֞ר שְׁנַ֧יִם מִכֹּ֛ל תָּבִ֥יא אֶל־הַתֵּבָ֖ה לְהַחֲיֹ֣ת אִתָּ֑ךְ זָכָ֥ר וּנְקֵבָ֖ה יִֽהְיֽוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Command to Preserve Species

The verse (Bereishit 6:19) commands Noach to bring pairs of every living creature into the ark to ensure their survival during the flood. Rashi explains that the phrase "מִכָּל־הָחַי מִכָּל־בָּשָׂר" ("of every living thing of all flesh") emphasizes that Noach was to include all species, even those not typically considered valuable or significant. This underscores the Divine imperative to preserve biodiversity, reflecting Hashem's concern for all of Creation.

Male and Female Pairs

The instruction "זָכָר וּנְקֵבָה יִהְיוּ" ("they shall be male and female") ensures the continuation of each species after the flood. The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this directive was not merely for procreation but also to maintain the natural order established at Creation (Bereishit 1:27-28). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 31:13) adds that the animals came to Noach in pairs by Divine Providence, as their instinctual behavior was temporarily subdued to fulfill this mitzvah.

Purpose of the Ark

The phrase "לְהַחֲיֹת אִתָּךְ" ("to keep them alive with thee") highlights Noach's role as a caretaker. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) teaches that Noach was responsible for feeding and tending to the animals, demonstrating that human stewardship over animals is a sacred duty. The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) elaborates that the ark symbolizes a microcosm of the world, where Noach had to maintain harmony among all creatures.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

  • Preservation of Life: The Sforno explains that this mitzvah teaches the importance of tza'ar ba'alei chayim (preventing animal suffering), as Noach had to ensure their survival under difficult conditions.
  • Divine Justice: The Malbim notes that even animals were judged for their corruption (Bereishit 6:12), yet Hashem's mercy allowed for their preservation through Noach's righteousness.
  • Future Redemption: The Zohar (Bereishit 67a) connects this verse to the future redemption, where all creatures will again live in harmony, as hinted by the paired entry into the ark.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 108b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about Noah and the construction of the ark, emphasizing the command to bring pairs of all living creatures into the ark.
📖 Zevachim 116a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the types of animals that were brought into the ark and the significance of their preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Noah need to bring two of every animal into the ark?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 6:19), Noah was commanded to bring a male and female of each species to ensure their survival after the flood. This allowed them to repopulate the earth once the waters receded. The Torah emphasizes 'to keep them alive with you,' showing that preserving creation was a key part of Noah's mission.
Q: Does 'two of every sort' include all animals, even impure ones?
A: Yes, as explained in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b), Noah was commanded to bring a pair (male and female) of every species, whether pure (kosher) or impure (non-kosher). However, for pure animals, Noah later brought seven pairs (Genesis 7:2) to allow for sacrifices after the flood.
Q: Why does the verse specify 'male and female'?
A: The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that specifying 'male and female' emphasizes the importance of reproduction—each pair had to be capable of producing offspring to repopulate their species. This also teaches that Hashem's plan for creation includes continuity and renewal.
Q: How did Noah gather all the animals for the ark?
A: The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 32:8) teaches that the animals came to Noah on their own, guided by divine providence. This miracle showed that the flood and the ark were part of Hashem's plan, and Noah did not have to search for them himself.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Noah saving the animals?
A: The verse teaches the Jewish value of compassion for all creatures (tza'ar ba'alei chayim). Noah's care for the animals, even during a time of destruction, reminds us of our responsibility to preserve and protect Hashem's creations (Rambam, Hilchot Rotzeach 13:9).