Genesis 7:15 Meaning and Explanation
“And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Creatures enter the ark in pairs—all flesh that possesses the breath of life.
The Context of Genesis 7:15
All creatures with the breath of life enter in matched pairs.
What Does Genesis 7:15 Mean?
The pairing is universal: two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life. This qualification—wherein is the breath of life—distinguishes animals from plants and inanimate matter. Only creatures with the divine spark of breath require rescue. The breath of life (ruach) connects each creature to God's animating presence.
Two pairs ensure reproductive potential while emphasizing that life itself—the animating breath—is what God prizes and preserves. The two-by-two format creates a rhythm and harmony, suggesting restoration through pairing, through balance, through complementary pairs.
Genesis 7:15 in the Original Language
nishmat chayyim, breath of life — the life force or spirit animating all creatures, a divine gift breathed into them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 7:15
What does Genesis 7:15 mean?
Creatures enter the ark in pairs—all flesh that possesses the breath of life.
What is the context of Genesis 7:15?
All creatures with the breath of life enter in matched pairs.