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Genesis 6:20 - Pairs preserve divine creation's diversity

Genesis 6:20 - בראשית 6:20

Hebrew Text

מֵהָעוֹף לְמִינֵהוּ וּמִן־הַבְּהֵמָה לְמִינָהּ מִכֹּל רֶמֶשׂ הָאֲדָמָה לְמִינֵהוּ שְׁנַיִם מִכֹּל יָבֹאוּ אֵלֶיךָ לְהַחֲיוֹת׃

English Translation

Of birds after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every sort shall come to thee, to keep them alive.

Transliteration

Meha'of leminihu umin-habehema leminah mikol remes ha'adama leminehu shnayim mikol yavo'u eleicha lehachayot.

Hebrew Leining Text

מֵהָע֣וֹף לְמִינֵ֗הוּ וּמִן־הַבְּהֵמָה֙ לְמִינָ֔הּ מִכֹּ֛ל רֶ֥מֶשׂ הָֽאֲדָמָ֖ה לְמִינֵ֑הוּ שְׁנַ֧יִם מִכֹּ֛ל יָבֹ֥אוּ אֵלֶ֖יךָ לְהַֽחֲיֽוֹת׃
מֵהָע֣וֹף לְמִינֵ֗הוּ וּמִן־הַבְּהֵמָה֙ לְמִינָ֔הּ מִכֹּ֛ל רֶ֥מֶשׂ הָֽאֲדָמָ֖ה לְמִינֵ֑הוּ שְׁנַ֧יִם מִכֹּ֛ל יָבֹ֥אוּ אֵלֶ֖יךָ לְהַֽחֲיֽוֹת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bereishit 6:20) appears in the narrative of Noach and the flood, where Hashem instructs Noach to gather pairs of animals to preserve life during the impending deluge. The language emphasizes the preservation of each species "after its kind" (לְמִינֵהוּ / לְמִינָהּ), highlighting the divine intention to maintain the natural order.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "shall come to thee" (יָבֹאוּ אֵלֶיךָ) indicates a miraculous element—the animals would come to Noach on their own accord, without him needing to chase or gather them. This demonstrates divine intervention to ensure the fulfillment of Hashem's command. Rashi also notes that the term "לְהַחֲיוֹת" (to keep them alive) implies Noach's responsibility to provide proper care for the animals during their time in the ark.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:49), Rambam discusses the flood narrative as a demonstration of divine justice and mercy. The preservation of species reflects Hashem's wisdom in maintaining the balance of creation, even amid destruction. The pairing of animals "after their kind" underscores the importance of biodiversity and the intrinsic value of each species in the natural world.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (31:13) elaborates that the animals came in pairs, male and female, to ensure reproduction after the flood. Some Midrashim suggest that even creatures Noach did not recognize were guided to the ark by divine providence.
  • The Zohar (Bereishit 68a) interprets "לְהַחֲיוֹת" as a spiritual charge—Noach was tasked not only with physical survival but also with sustaining the spiritual essence of each species.

Halachic Implications

The Chizkuni notes that the distinction between birds, cattle, and creeping things (הָעוֹף, הַבְּהֵמָה, רֶמֶשׂ הָאֲדָמָה) reflects later halachic categories in kashrut and sacrificial laws. This verse subtly alludes to the classifications that would become significant in Torah law.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 108b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the animals that entered Noah's Ark, emphasizing the preservation of species.
📖 Chullin 139b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the classification of animals and the laws pertaining to their consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 6:20 mean when it says 'two of every sort shall come to thee'?
A: This verse refers to Hashem's command to Noach to bring pairs of each animal species onto the ark to preserve them during the flood. According to Rashi, the animals came to Noach on their own by divine providence, rather than Noach having to gather them himself.
Q: Why did the animals need to come to Noach 'after their kind'?
A: The phrase 'after their kind' (לְמִינֵהוּ) emphasizes that each species was preserved in its pure, original form. The Ramban explains this shows Hashem's care in maintaining the distinct characteristics of every creature He created.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the animals coming to Noach?
A: The Midrash teaches that this demonstrates how all of creation follows Hashem's will. Just as the animals willingly came to Noach to fulfill the divine plan, we too should be ready to fulfill mitzvos when called upon.
Q: How does this verse about animal pairs relate to us today?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) derives from this that we must show kindness to all creatures, as Hashem preserved even those animals that seemed unnecessary. This teaches the Jewish value of compassion for all living things.
Q: Why specifically two of each animal?
A: Rashi explains that two were needed - a male and female - to ensure the species could reproduce after the flood. The number two represents the minimum needed for continuity, showing Hashem's precise calculation in preserving life.