You are also to take for yourselfThis phrase indicates a personal responsibility given to Noah. It emphasizes the direct command from God to Noah, highlighting the importance of obedience and preparation. In the context of Genesis, Noah is seen as a righteous man chosen by God to preserve life. This command reflects the broader biblical theme of stewardship, where individuals are entrusted with responsibilities by God. The personal nature of the command underscores the intimate relationship between God and Noah, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, such as in the calling of Abraham (
Genesis 12:1-3) and Moses (
Exodus 3:10).
every kind of food that is eaten
This phrase suggests a comprehensive gathering of sustenance, indicating the variety and abundance of God's provision. It reflects the dietary practices of the time, which would have included grains, fruits, vegetables, and possibly preserved meats. The emphasis on "every kind" points to the necessity of sustaining both human and animal life during the flood. This mirrors the later provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16), where God provides for the Israelites' needs. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of God's provision for all needs (Philippians 4:19).
and gather it
The act of gathering implies diligence and foresight. Noah's obedience in gathering food is an act of faith, trusting in God's warning about the impending flood. This gathering can be seen as a type of the church's mission to gather souls, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The gathering also reflects the principle of preparation and readiness, akin to the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), where preparedness is crucial.
as food for yourselves
This phrase highlights the necessity of self-preservation and care for one's family. It underscores the importance of providing for one's household, a principle echoed in1 Timothy 5:8, where providing for one's family is seen as a fundamental duty. The inclusion of "yourselves" indicates that Noah's family is central to God's plan for post-flood humanity, preserving the line through which the Messiah would eventually come.
and for the animals.
This final phrase emphasizes the care for all of God's creation. It reflects the dominion mandate given to humanity inGenesis 1:28, where humans are tasked with stewarding the earth and its creatures. The inclusion of animals in God's preservation plan points to their value in creation and their role in the post-flood world. This care for animals can be seen as a precursor to the peaceable kingdom prophesied inIsaiah 11:6-9, where harmony between humans and animals is restored. The preservation of animal life also foreshadows the redemption of all creation, as mentioned inRomans 8:19-21.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
NoahA righteous man chosen by God to build the ark and preserve life during the flood. He is obedient to God's commands, including the gathering of food.
2.
GodThe divine being who instructs Noah on how to prepare for the coming flood, demonstrating His sovereignty and care for creation.
3.
The ArkThe large vessel constructed by Noah under God's direction to save his family and pairs of every kind of animal from the flood.
4.
The FloodA cataclysmic event sent by God to cleanse the earth of its widespread wickedness, sparing only Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark.
5.
AnimalsEvery kind of living creature that Noah is instructed to bring onto the ark, ensuring the preservation of species.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's InstructionsNoah's gathering of food demonstrates his complete obedience to God's commands. We are called to trust and obey God's guidance in our lives, even when it requires effort and preparation.
God's ProvisionThis verse reminds us of God's provision for our needs. Just as He provided for Noah and the animals, He provides for us today. We should trust in His provision and be diligent in our responsibilities.
Stewardship of ResourcesNoah's task of gathering food highlights the importance of stewardship. We are called to wisely manage the resources God has entrusted to us, ensuring that we care for both ourselves and others.
Preparation for the FutureNoah's actions teach us the value of preparing for the future. In our spiritual and physical lives, we should be proactive in preparing for what lies ahead, trusting in God's guidance.
Faith in ActionNoah's faith was demonstrated through his actions. Our faith should also be evident in how we live, showing our trust in God through our obedience and preparation.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 6:21?
2.How does Genesis 6:21 emphasize God's provision and foresight for Noah's family?
3.What does "take every kind of food" teach about obedience to God?
4.How can Genesis 6:21 inspire us to prepare for future challenges today?
5.What parallels exist between Genesis 6:21 and Jesus' teachings on preparedness?
6.How does Noah's obedience in Genesis 6:21 model faithfulness in our daily lives?
7.How does Genesis 6:21 align with historical evidence of ancient food preservation methods?
8.What does Genesis 6:21 reveal about God's provision and care for His creation?
9.How does Genesis 6:21 challenge modern views on divine instructions and obedience?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 6?
11.How did Noah fit all animals on the Ark?
12.How could Noah’s Ark have housed and sustained all animal species for a year?
13.How many animals were on Noah's ark? (Genesis 6:19-20 vs. Genesis 7:2-3)
14.(Psalm 147:9) Can the claim that God personally provides food for the animals be reconciled with scientific observations and the natural ecosystems we see today?What Does Genesis 6:21 Mean
You are also to take- The command comes directly from God to Noah (Genesis 6:13-22), emphasizing personal responsibility in obedience.
- It echoes earlier instructions about the ark’s construction (Genesis 6:14-16), showing that God cares about every detail of salvation and provision.
- Similar divine directives appear when God tells Israel to gather manna daily (Exodus 16:4-5), underscoring that God provides but expects human participation.
for yourself- Noah is first told to meet his own household’s needs (cf.1 Timothy 5:8).
- The phrase reminds us that stewardship begins at home; before Noah can care for the animals, he must ensure his family’s welfare (Genesis 7:1).
- Compare Joshua’s charge to “prepare provisions for yourselves” before crossing the Jordan (Joshua 1:11).
every kind of food that is eaten- God specifies variety, indicating a balanced, sustaining diet (Genesis 1:29-30).
- “Every kind” shows divine foresight for long-term survival inside the ark, likely including grains, dried fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
- After the flood, God will expand the human diet to include meat (Genesis 9:3), but here the focus remains on foods suitable for storage and consumption during the voyage.
and gather it as food- The verb “gather” implies deliberate effort, planning, and timing—Noah must act before the rains start (Proverbs 6:6-8).
- Gathering also suggests preservation methods such as drying or salting, anticipating months inside the ark (Genesis 7:11-8:14).
- Similar language appears when Joseph “gathers” grain in Egypt to prepare for famine (Genesis 41:48-49).
for yourselves- The repetition assures Noah that God’s provision is personal and sufficient (Psalm 37:25).
- It highlights God’s care for human life first, consistent with humanity’s value as bearers of His image (Genesis 1:26-27).
- Jesus echoes this principle when He teaches His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).
and for the animals- God’s covenantal care extends to all living creatures (Genesis 9:10-12).
- Noah functions as a steward of creation, reflecting Adam’s original mandate to “fill the earth and subdue it” and “rule over… every living creature” (Genesis 1:28).
-Proverbs 12:10 notes, “A righteous man regards the life of his animal,” showing that caring for animals is a mark of righteousness.
- InMatthew 10:29, Jesus affirms that not even a sparrow falls apart from the Father’s will, reinforcing God’s compassion for animals.
summaryGenesis 6:21 shows God’s meticulous provision and Noah’s obedient stewardship. The verse teaches personal responsibility, practical preparation, and compassionate care for both people and animals. God supplies, but He calls His people to act, gathering what is needed in faith that His instructions are always sufficient and good.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You are alsoוְאַתָּ֣ה(wə·’at·tāh)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youto takeקַח־(qaḥ-)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3947:To takefor yourselfאֵלֶ֑יךָ(’ê·le·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toevery kindמִכָּל־(mik·kāl)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyof foodמַֽאֲכָל֙(ma·’ă·ḵāl)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3978:An eatablethatאֲשֶׁ֣ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatis eatenיֵֽאָכֵ֔ל(yê·’ā·ḵêl)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398:To eatand gather [it]וְאָסַפְתָּ֖(wə·’ā·sap̄·tā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 622:To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, removeas food for yourselvesלְאָכְלָֽה׃(lə·’āḵ·lāh)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 402:Food, eating[and] for [the animals].”לְךָ֛(lə·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew
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OT Law: Genesis 6:21 Take with you of all food that (Gen. Ge Gn)