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Genesis 7:15 - Pairs enter life's shelter

Genesis 7:15 - בראשית 7:15

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹאוּ אֶל־נֹחַ אֶל־הַתֵּבָה שְׁנַיִם שְׁנַיִם מִכָּל־הַבָּשָׂר אֲשֶׁר־בּוֹ רוּחַ חַיִּים׃

English Translation

And they went in to Noaĥ into the ark, two and two of all flesh in which is the breath of life.

Transliteration

Vayavo'u el-Noach el-hateva shnayim shnayim mikol-habasar asher-bo ruach chayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ אֶל־נֹ֖חַ אֶל־הַתֵּבָ֑ה שְׁנַ֤יִם שְׁנַ֙יִם֙ מִכׇּל־הַבָּשָׂ֔ר אֲשֶׁר־בּ֖וֹ ר֥וּחַ חַיִּֽים׃
וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ אֶל־נֹ֖חַ אֶל־הַתֵּבָ֑ה שְׁנַ֤יִם שְׁנַ֙יִם֙ מִכׇּל־הַבָּשָׂ֔ר אֲשֶׁר־בּ֖וֹ ר֥וּחַ חַיִּֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Analysis

The verse (Bereshit 7:15) describes how the animals entered Noah's ark in pairs ("שְׁנַיִם שְׁנַיִם") to be saved from the flood. This detail emphasizes the Divine orchestration of the event, ensuring the preservation of all species.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "שְׁנַיִם שְׁנַיִם" (two by two) refers to male and female pairs, as required for reproduction after the flood. He notes that even creatures not typically paired (like those that normally live alone) were brought together for this purpose (Rashi on Bereshit 7:15).

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 32:8) elaborates that the animals came to the ark willingly, guided by Divine Providence ("רוּחַ חַיִּים" – the breath of life). This demonstrates that even in judgment, Hashem ensures the continuity of creation.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:48) interprets the orderly pairing as evidence of nature's Divinely ordained structure. The phrase "רוּחַ חַיִּים" underscores that all living creatures are sustained by G-d's will, even during catastrophic events.

Halachic Implications

  • The pairing teaches the importance of preserving species, later reflected in the prohibition of crossbreeding (Kilayim) and unnecessary destruction (Bal Tashchit).
  • The term "בָּשָׂר" (flesh) includes all land animals, distinguishing them from fish, which survived outside the ark (Chullin 27b).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 108b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the animals entering Noah's ark and the divine providence involved in their pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the animals come to Noah's ark in pairs?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 7:15), the animals came in pairs—male and female—to ensure the continuation of their species after the flood. This was part of Hashem's plan to repopulate the earth with all living creatures.
Q: What does 'breath of life' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'breath of life' (רוּחַ חַיִּים) refers to the divine life force that Hashem placed in all living creatures. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 4:9) explains that this distinguishes living beings from inanimate objects, showing that all life is sustained by Hashem.
Q: How did the animals know to come to Noah's ark?
A: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 32:8) teaches that Hashem guided the animals to the ark miraculously. Some say an angel led them, while others explain that they were instinctively drawn to Noah by divine providence.
Q: Why were only two of each animal brought onto the ark?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) explains that Noah was commanded to bring two of each non-kosher animal (a male and female) to preserve their species. For kosher animals, seven pairs were brought to allow for future sacrifices (Genesis 7:2).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the animals entering the ark in an orderly way?
A: The orderly arrival of the animals teaches us about hashgacha pratit (divine providence) and the importance of following Hashem's will. Just as the animals fulfilled their purpose without hesitation, we too should strive to fulfill our spiritual missions with trust in Hashem (based on teachings in Mesillat Yesharim).