Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'Be fruitful and multiply' mean in Genesis 9:1?
A: The phrase 'Be fruitful and multiply' (פְּרוּ וּרְבוּ) is the first commandment given to Noah and his sons after the flood. According to Jewish tradition (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Ishut 15:2), this is the mitzvah (commandment) of procreation, requiring humanity to have children to continue the human race. Rashi explains that this blessing ensured their efforts would be successful.
Q: Why did God bless Noah and his sons with this commandment?
A: After the flood, the world needed to be repopulated. The blessing was both a directive and an assurance—Noah’s family would prosper and fill the earth again. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 34:11) teaches that this was a renewal of the blessing originally given to Adam (Genesis 1:28), showing God’s desire for humanity to thrive.
Q: Does 'Be fruitful and multiply' apply to Jews today?
A: Yes, this commandment remains one of the 613 mitzvot in Judaism. The Talmud (Yevamot 65b) discusses its details, stating that men are obligated to have children (at least one son and one daughter according to Beit Hillel), while women are exempt. The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 1) codifies this as halacha (Jewish law).
Q: What is the deeper meaning behind 'replenish the earth'?
A: The term 'replenish' (וּמִלְאוּ) implies not just filling the earth, but doing so with purpose. The Sforno comments that humanity must cultivate the world responsibly, using its resources wisely. This aligns with the Jewish concept of 'tikkun olam' (repairing the world)—our role as partners in sustaining creation.
Q: How is this verse connected to the covenant with Noah?
A: This blessing precedes the Noahide Covenant (Genesis 9:8–17), establishing humanity’s foundational role. The Ramban explains that procreation ensures the continuity of this covenant, which includes universal laws (e.g., justice, kindness) binding on all descendants of Noah. Thus, the verse underscores both physical and moral renewal after the flood.
The Blessing of Noach and His Sons
The verse states: "וַיְבָרֶךְ אֱלֹהִים אֶת־נֹחַ וְאֶת־בָּנָיו וַיֹּאמֶר לָהֶם פְּרוּ וּרְבוּ וּמִלְאוּ אֶת־הָאָרֶץ" ("And God blessed Noach and his sons, and said to them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth"). This blessing echoes the one given to Adam (Bereishit 1:28), but with key differences that our commentators explore.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi notes that this blessing was necessary because the Flood had decimated all life, and Noach and his family were the sole survivors. The repetition of the command to "be fruitful and multiply" signifies a renewal of humanity's mission to populate the earth. Rashi also highlights that the blessing was directed specifically to Noach and his sons, emphasizing that the continuity of humanity depended on their offspring.
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:50), Rambam explains that this blessing reflects Divine providence ensuring the survival of the human species. Unlike animals, humans were given a direct commandment to procreate, underscoring their unique role in fulfilling God's will for creation.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Gemara in Yevamot 65b derives from this verse the mitzvah of pru u'revu (procreation), which applies to men but not women. The Rambam codifies this in Mishneh Torah (Ishut 15:2), stating that this commandment is among the first given to humanity and remains foundational to Jewish life.
Contrast with Adam's Blessing
Unlike Adam, who was told to "subdue" the earth (Bereishit 1:28), Noach's blessing omits this language. The Kli Yakar explains that after the Flood, humanity was no longer granted unchecked dominion over nature; instead, they were to live in harmony with creation, as seen in the later prohibition against eating a limb from a living animal (Bereishit 9:4).