Genesis 6:19 Meaning and Explanation
“And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Noah must gather two of every kind of living creature to preserve all flesh.
The Context of Genesis 6:19
Noah must bring pairs of all living creatures into the ark.
What Does Genesis 6:19 Mean?
The arc of preservation now extends beyond humanity. Noah must bring 'two of every sort'—a male and female pair. The mission is to 'keep them alive'—preservation is the explicit goal. The phrase 'all flesh' echoes the destruction language: all the flesh that will die outside the ark must be represented inside by at least a breeding pair. This is God's way of preserving creation itself through the judgment.
The practical scale is enormous: Noah must gather creatures of every kind from across the earth. Yet the text presents this as God's command and therefore achievable. The male-female pairing ensures the possibility of reproduction after the flood. Salvation includes not just humanity but all life—all creation matters to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 6:19
What does Genesis 6:19 mean?
Noah must gather two of every kind of living creature to preserve all flesh.
What is the context of Genesis 6:19?
Noah must bring pairs of all living creatures into the ark.