Genesis 7:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →All creatures enter as male-female pairs according to God's command, and God seals the ark shut.
The Context of Genesis 7:16
The ark is sealed by God, closing the door to outside judgment.
What Does Genesis 7:16 Mean?
The final clause—and the LORD shut him in—marks a turning point. God closes the ark's door, separating the saved from the doomed. This act of closure is also an act of protection. Those inside are sealed in, secure from the waters, while the door separates the righteous from the judgment outside.
The repeated confirmation that animals entered as God had commanded emphasizes obedience fulfilled completely. The male-female pattern throughout ensures genetic continuity. Now, with God's final action of sealing, the preservation is complete and irrevocable. Safety and separation are one.
Genesis 7:16 in the Original Language
sagar (sagar), shut — to close, bar, or seal; God's action of closing finalizes the separation between salvation and judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 7:16
What does Genesis 7:16 mean?
All creatures enter as male-female pairs according to God's command, and God seals the ark shut.
What is the context of Genesis 7:16?
The ark is sealed by God, closing the door to outside judgment.