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Genesis 7:14 - Divine preservation of species diversity

Genesis 7:14 - בראשית 7:14

Hebrew Text

הֵמָּה וְכָל־הַחַיָּה לְמִינָהּ וְכָל־הַבְּהֵמָה לְמִינָהּ וְכָל־הָרֶמֶשׂ הָרֹמֵשׂ עַל־הָאָרֶץ לְמִינֵהוּ וְכָל־הָעוֹף לְמִינֵהוּ כֹּל צִפּוֹר כָּל־כָּנָף׃

English Translation

they, and every beast after its kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort.

Transliteration

Hema vechol-hachaya leminah vechol-habehema leminah vechol-haremes haromes al-ha'aretz leminehu vechol-ha'of leminehu kol tzipor kol-kanaf.

Hebrew Leining Text

הֵ֜מָּה וְכׇל־הַֽחַיָּ֣ה לְמִינָ֗הּ וְכׇל־הַבְּהֵמָה֙ לְמִינָ֔הּ וְכׇל־הָרֶ֛מֶשׂ הָרֹמֵ֥שׂ עַל־הָאָ֖רֶץ לְמִינֵ֑הוּ וְכׇל־הָע֣וֹף לְמִינֵ֔הוּ כֹּ֖ל צִפּ֥וֹר כׇּל־כָּנָֽף׃
הֵ֜מָּה וְכׇל־הַֽחַיָּ֣ה לְמִינָ֗הּ וְכׇל־הַבְּהֵמָה֙ לְמִינָ֔הּ וְכׇל־הָרֶ֛מֶשׂ הָרֹמֵ֥שׂ עַל־הָאָ֖רֶץ לְמִינֵ֑הוּ וְכׇל־הָע֣וֹף לְמִינֵ֔הוּ כֹּ֖ל צִפּ֥וֹר כׇּל־כָּנָֽף׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Creation

This verse (Genesis 7:14) describes the entry of animals into Noah's Ark before the flood. The repetition of "לְמִינָהּ" (after its kind) emphasizes that each species was preserved according to its distinct classification, as established during Creation (Genesis 1:21-25). Rashi notes that this phrasing reinforces the principle of min (species), indicating that Hashem ensured the continuity of each creature's unique characteristics.

Preservation of Species

The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:49) explains that the detailed listing of animals—beasts, cattle, creeping things, and birds—highlights the Divine wisdom in maintaining ecological balance. Each "מִין" (kind) was preserved separately to fulfill its role in the world after the flood. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 28:8) adds that even creatures not typically symbiotic (e.g., predators and prey) coexisted peacefully in the Ark, demonstrating a temporary suspension of natural order for the sake of renewal.

Halachic Implications

  • Kilayim (Forbidden Mixtures): The emphasis on "לְמִינֵהוּ" (after its kind) underpins the Torah's prohibitions against crossbreeding species (Leviticus 19:19). The Sforno connects this to the Ark's narrative, teaching that disrupting species boundaries contradicts Divine design.
  • Taxonomic Integrity: The Talmud (Chullin 63b) derives from this verse that species classifications are immutable, influencing rulings on kosher animals and their identification.

Symbolism of Diversity

The Malbim interprets the phrase "כֹּל צִפּוֹר כָּל־כָּנָף" (every bird of every sort) as underscoring the vast diversity within Creation. Even within a single category like birds, Hashem ordained countless variations, reflecting His boundless creativity. This idea is echoed in Pirkei Avot (5:22), which praises the diversity of creatures as a testament to Hashem's greatness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 7:14 mean when it says 'after its kind'?
A: The phrase 'after its kind' (לְמִינָהּ) emphasizes that each animal species was created with its own distinct characteristics, as explained by Rashi and other commentators. This teaches that Hashem created the world with order and boundaries, ensuring species reproduce according to their own kind.
Q: Why does the Torah list different animal categories in Genesis 7:14?
A: The Torah specifies beasts, cattle, creeping things, and birds to show the completeness of Noach's mission—he was to preserve all land-dwelling creatures during the flood. The Midrash teaches that this demonstrates Hashem's care for all living beings, ensuring biodiversity would continue after the flood.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 7:14 about animals?
A: This verse teaches the importance of recognizing the diversity in Hashem's creation. The Rambam (Hilchot Kilayim) derives from such verses that we must respect the natural order and not mix species improperly (like kilayim—forbidden crossbreeding), as each was created with a unique purpose.
Q: How does Genesis 7:14 relate to the concept of 'min' (species) in Jewish law?
A: The repetition of 'after its kind' establishes the halachic principle of 'min' (species category), which affects laws like kilayim (forbidden mixtures in plants/animals) and shechitah (identifying kosher species). The Talmud (Chullin 63b) uses this verse to define classifications for kosher birds and animals.