Genesis 9:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Humans are now permitted to eat meat, just as they were given plants for food.
The Context of Genesis 9:3
God expands the permitted human diet to include meat.
What Does Genesis 9:3 Mean?
This verse marks a significant change: animal flesh is explicitly permitted as food for the first time in Scripture. God grants to Noah and his descendants what was previously given only in the form of green plants, extending human sustenance to include the entire animal creation.
The phrase 'even as the green herb' draws a parallel between plant and animal consumption. What was once restricted to vegetation alone is now expanded, reflecting the new circumstances of the post-flood world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 9:3
What does Genesis 9:3 mean?
Humans are now permitted to eat meat, just as they were given plants for food.
What is the context of Genesis 9:3?
God expands the permitted human diet to include meat.