Definition: Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that [are] not clean by two, the male and his female.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 7:2. It’s a pretty important passage in the Bible that describes how God responded to a massive flood caused by wickedness. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that [are] not clean by two, the male and his female.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Of every clean beast…” – This means God is focusing on only the healthy, well-bred animals. He wants to ensure the flood doesn't cause too much suffering or death due to illness or weakness. “…thou shalt take to thee by sevens…” – This translates to "you shall take seven of them." This suggests a specific number is being targeted. “the male and his female” – These are the healthy, whole animals . God wants to make sure he's only taking healthy livestock. “…and of beasts that [are] not clean by two, the male and his female.” - This is the crucial part. It means God is specifically targeting animals that are unclean – meaning they have been infected with disease or are suffering from parasites. The phrase “by two” means only the male and female animals will be taken. So, what’s the point of this? This verse was a direct response to a massive flood caused by Noah's (and later, humanity’s) wickedness. The reason God decided to destroy much of the world was because people were becoming so corrupt that they were causing the earth to be flooded with disease and death. Why is this significant? It’s a warning: It's a strong warning against sin and wickedness. It shows God's judgment: It demonstrates God’s power and his concern for humanity. It establishes a pattern: This verse sets the stage for the story of Noah and the subsequent flood, which ultimately leads to the creation of a new world. In short, this verse is about God taking only healthy animals to prevent further devastation caused by disease and corruption. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail or perhaps connect it to other biblical stories? For example, I could: Discuss the symbolism behind the animals. Explain its connection to Noah's story.