Genesis 6:21 - Divine command sustains all life.

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Hebrew Text

וְאַתָּה קַח־לְךָ מִכָּל־מַאֲכָל אֲשֶׁר יֵאָכֵל וְאָסַפְתָּ אֵלֶיךָ וְהָיָה לְךָ וְלָהֶם לְאָכְלָה׃

English Translation

And take thou to thee of all food that is eaten, and gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.

Transliteration

Ve'ata kach-lecha mikol-ma'achal asher ye'achel ve'asafta eleicha vehaya lecha velahem le'achla.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַתָּ֣ה קַח־לְךָ֗ מִכׇּל־מַֽאֲכָל֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֵֽאָכֵ֔ל וְאָסַפְתָּ֖ אֵלֶ֑יךָ וְהָיָ֥ה לְךָ֛ וְלָהֶ֖ם לְאׇכְלָֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereishit 6:21) is part of Hashem's instructions to Noach regarding preparations for the Mabul (Flood). The command specifies gathering food not only for himself but also for the animals that would be sheltered in the Teivah (Ark).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that the phrase "מִכָּל־מַאֲכָל" ("of all food") teaches that Noach was commanded to gather different types of food appropriate for each species. Some animals eat fresh produce, while others require dried food. Rashi further notes that the term "וְאָסַפְתָּ אֵלֶיךָ" ("and gather it to thee") implies that Noach needed to personally oversee the gathering to ensure the food's kosher status and suitability.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Dei'os 5:1) derives from this verse a principle of השגחה פרטית (Divine Providence) even over animals. Hashem's detailed instruction for food demonstrates His care for all creatures, reinforcing the concept that every being has a divinely ordained role in creation.

Midrashic Insights

Midrash Tanchuma (Noach 9) states that Noach worked tirelessly day and night to gather food, showing his complete dedication to fulfilling Hashem's command.
Bereishit Rabbah (31:14) explains that the phrase "וְהָיָה לְךָ וְלָהֶם" ("for thee, and for them") teaches that Noach's sustenance was intertwined with the animals' welfare—his own merit would ensure their survival.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 108b) discusses how Noach's gathering of food reflects the mitzvah of tza'ar ba'alei chayim (preventing animal suffering). By ensuring proper food for all creatures, Noach upheld the ethical responsibility of caring for animals, a principle later codified in halacha.

Symbolic Meaning

The Kli Yakar suggests that the gathering of food symbolizes spiritual preparation. Just as Noach gathered physical sustenance, one must also "gather" Torah and mitzvos to sustain oneself and others through challenging times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 6:21 mean when it says to gather food?
A: This verse is part of Hashem's instructions to Noach before the flood. It means that Noach should gather and store all types of food that humans and animals eat to sustain them during their time in the ark. Rashi explains that this included both food for people and fodder for animals.

Q: Why was Noach commanded to gather food in Genesis 6:21?
A: Noach was commanded to gather food because the flood would destroy all vegetation and food sources outside the ark. The Midrash teaches that this preparation showed Noach's righteousness - he carefully followed Hashem's instructions to ensure survival for his family and all the animals during the year they would be in the ark.

Q: What can we learn from Genesis 6:21 about preparation?
A: We learn the importance of preparing for future needs according to Hashem's guidance. The Rambam teaches that this verse demonstrates the principle of hishtadlut (making proper effort) - even when relying on divine protection like Noach did, we must still take practical steps to prepare ourselves.

Q: How does Genesis 6:21 apply to us today?
A: Just as Noach prepared food for his family's survival, we learn to make proper preparations while trusting in Hashem. The Talmud (Yoma 38b) derives from this that we should combine faith with practical action. This applies to preparing for Shabbat, holidays, or any important responsibility in life.

Q: Why does the verse mention 'food that is eaten' specifically?
A: Rashi explains that this phrase teaches Noach only needed to gather kosher food (what is permitted to be eaten according to Torah law), even though the Torah's dietary laws weren't formally given yet. This shows that Noach followed higher spiritual standards, as the Midrash describes how righteous people intuitively understand proper conduct.