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Genesis 9:1,19
And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth…

Genesis 1:28
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Genesis 8:17
Bring forth with thee every living thing thatis with thee, of all flesh,both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.

be fruitful and multiply
This command echoes the original mandate given to Adam and Eve inGenesis 1:28, highlighting the continuity of God's plan for human proliferation and dominion over the earth. It underscores the importance of family and procreation in God's design. The repetition of this command post-flood signifies a new beginning for humanity, emphasizing the restoration and renewal of creation.

spread out across the earth
This phrase suggests a divine intention for humanity to inhabit and steward the entire earth, not just a localized region. It anticipates the later dispersion at Babel (Genesis 11), where God intervenes to ensure this command is fulfilled. The spreading out is also a means to prevent the concentration of power and corruption, as seen in pre-flood society.

and multiply upon it
The reiteration of "multiply" emphasizes the importance of growth and expansion. It reflects God's blessing and favor upon Noah's descendants, ensuring the survival and flourishing of human life. This multiplication is not just numerical but also cultural and spiritual, as humanity is called to fill the earth with God's image and glory. The command also foreshadows the eventual spread of the gospel, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), where Jesus instructs His followers to go and make disciples of all nations.

God speaks personally to Noah and his sons, distinguishing them from the animals just released from the ark (Genesis 8:17). This direct address highlights their covenant relationship with Him. Like Adam inGenesis 1:28, they bear His image and carry His purposes forward. Cross references:Genesis 9:9–10 shows the same personal tone when God establishes His covenant;Deuteronomy 14:2 reminds Israel, “the Lord has chosen you to be His treasured people.”

Fruitfulness is both command and blessing. It involves:

• Welcoming children as a gift (Psalm 127:3–5).

• Building families that honor God (Joshua 24:15).

• Trusting the Creator to provide for growing households (Matthew 6:31–33).

Because this directive is repeated after the Flood (Genesis 9:1), it confirms that God’s design for marriage and procreation remains unchanged despite human sin.

Where “be fruitful” stresses bearing offspring, “multiply” widens the vision to successive generations filling the family line. Scripture repeats this pattern: Abraham’s descendants will be “as numerous as the stars” (Genesis 15:5); Israel becomes “exceedingly numerous” in Egypt (Exodus 1:7). Multiplication displays God’s faithfulness to His promises and advances His redemptive plan leading to Christ (Galatians 3:16).

The command counters any impulse to cluster in one place, calling people to inhabit the whole planet God prepared (Isaiah 45:18). InActs 17:26 Paul notes that God “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands,” echoing this verse. When humanity later resisted by building Babel (Genesis 11:4), God scattered them anyway, proving that His purpose for global habitation stands.

The closing phrase restates the charge, assuring Noah’s family that the earth can sustain them.Psalm 115:16 affirms, “The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.” As they expanded, they were to:

• Exercise responsible dominion (Genesis 1:28; 9:2–3).

• Value human life, upholding justice (Genesis 9:5–6).

• Bear witness to God’s glory among every tribe and nation (Psalm 96:3).

Genesis 9:7 is God’s renewed mandate to humanity after the Flood: embrace life, grow families, and fill the whole earth under His covenant care. It reassures us that procreation, stewardship, and worldwide habitation are not accidental but intentional parts of His good design, meant to display His faithfulness from Noah’s day to ours.

Parallel Commentaries ...