Genesis 9:10 - Divine covenant with all creatures

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Hebrew Text

וְאֵת כָּל־נֶפֶשׁ הַחַיָּה אֲשֶׁר אִתְּכֶם בָּעוֹף בַּבְּהֵמָה וּבְכָל־חַיַּת הָאָרֶץ אִתְּכֶם מִכֹּל יֹצְאֵי הַתֵּבָה לְכֹל חַיַּת הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

and with every living creature that is with you, of the birds, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that came out of the ark, to every beast of the earth.

Transliteration

Ve'et kol-nefesh hachayah asher itchem ba'of babhemah uv'chol-chayat ha'aretz itchem mikol yotzei hatevah l'chol chayat ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֨ת כׇּל־נֶ֤פֶשׁ הַֽחַיָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתְּכֶ֔ם בָּע֧וֹף בַּבְּהֵמָ֛ה וּֽבְכׇל־חַיַּ֥ת הָאָ֖רֶץ אִתְּכֶ֑ם מִכֹּל֙ יֹצְאֵ֣י הַתֵּבָ֔ה לְכֹ֖ל חַיַּ֥ת הָאָֽרֶץ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in Parashat Noach

This verse (Bereshit 8:17) appears after the floodwaters recede, as Hashem commands Noach to leave the ark with his family and all the animals. It emphasizes the divine covenant extending not only to humanity but to all living creatures that survived the flood.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "מִכֹּל יֹצְאֵי הַתֵּבָה" ("from all that came out of the ark") teaches that even creatures not originally taken into the ark—such as those born during the flood—were included in this command. This shows Hashem's providence over all life, ensuring the continuity of every species.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:17), Rambam discusses how this verse underscores the principle of divine compassion (rachamim) toward all creatures. The inclusion of animals in the covenant reflects Hashem's desire for ecological balance and the preservation of His creation.

Midrashic Insights

Midrash Tanchuma (Noach 12) highlights that the animals exited the ark in an orderly manner, species by species, demonstrating the harmony restored after the flood's destruction.
Bereshit Rabbah (33:4) notes that the phrase "לְכֹל חַיַּת הָאָרֶץ" ("to every beast of the earth") implies a renewed relationship between humans and animals, where fear of humanity was instilled (as later stated in Bereshit 9:2).

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 404) derives from this verse the prohibition of causing unnecessary suffering to animals (tza'ar ba'alei chayim). Since Hashem included them in the covenant, we are obligated to treat them with kindness.

Theological Significance

This verse reinforces the idea that all creation is interconnected under Hashem's sovereignty. The survival and release of the animals symbolize a fresh start for the world, with humanity entrusted as stewards of nature—a theme later expanded in the mitzvot of bal tashchit (avoiding waste) and caring for creatures.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 9:10 mean in the context of Noah's story?
A: Genesis 9:10 is part of G-d's covenant with Noah after the flood. It emphasizes that the covenant isn't just with humanity, but with all living creatures that were saved in the ark. Rashi explains that this shows G-d's concern for all creation, not just humans. The verse teaches that animals are also included in G-d's promise to never again destroy the world with a flood.

Q: Why does the Torah mention animals in G-d's covenant with Noah?
A: The inclusion of animals in the covenant (Genesis 9:10) teaches that all creation has value in G-d's eyes. The Midrash notes that animals were saved in the ark because they too have a role in the world's existence. Rambam explains that this demonstrates the interconnectedness of all life and our responsibility toward animals as part of our divine covenant.

Q: How does Genesis 9:10 relate to Jewish laws about treating animals?
A: Genesis 9:10 establishes that animals are part of G-d's covenant, which forms the basis for many Jewish laws about proper treatment of animals (tza'ar ba'alei chayim). The Talmud (Bava Metzia 32b) derives from this that causing unnecessary suffering to animals is prohibited. This verse reminds us that our ethical obligations extend to all living creatures.

Q: What is the significance of 'all that came out of the ark' in Genesis 9:10?
A: The phrase 'all that came out of the ark' in Genesis 9:10 refers to every species that was preserved through Noah's righteousness. Rashi comments that this shows how G-d's mercy extends to all creatures. The Sforno adds that this teaches us the importance of preserving biodiversity - just as Noah saved representatives of all species, we must protect all forms of life.

Q: How can we apply the message of Genesis 9:10 today?
A: Genesis 9:10 teaches us that humans share the world with animals under G-d's covenant. Today, this means we must: 1) Treat animals with kindness (based on Jewish laws of tza'ar ba'alei chayim), 2) Protect endangered species (as Noah did), and 3) Recognize our responsibility as stewards of creation. The Ramban explains that this covenant reminds us of our duty to maintain ecological balance.