Genesis 1:11 - Divine command creates plant life

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Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים תַּדְשֵׁא הָאָרֶץ דֶּשֶׁא עֵשֶׂב מַזְרִיעַ זֶרַע עֵץ פְּרִי עֹשֶׂה פְּרִי לְמִינוֹ אֲשֶׁר זַרְעוֹ־בוֹ עַל־הָאָרֶץ וַיְהִי־כֵן׃

English Translation

And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, herb yielding seed, and fruit tree yielding fruit after its kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

Transliteration

Vayomer Elohim tadshe ha'aretz deshe esev mazria zera etz pri oseh pri lemino asher zar'o bo al-ha'aretz vayehi-chen.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים תַּֽדְשֵׁ֤א הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ דֶּ֗שֶׁא עֵ֚שֶׂב מַזְרִ֣יעַ זֶ֔רַע עֵ֣ץ פְּרִ֞י עֹ֤שֶׂה פְּרִי֙ לְמִינ֔וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר זַרְעוֹ־ב֖וֹ עַל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וַֽיְהִי־כֵֽן׃

Parasha Commentary

The Command for Vegetation

The verse (Bereishit 1:11) describes Hashem's command for the earth to produce vegetation. Rashi explains that the term "תַּדְשֵׁא" (tadshe) implies a divine decree for the earth to be covered with greenery. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 5:9) elaborates that this command was not merely for immediate growth but established the natural order where vegetation would perpetually regenerate.

Categories of Vegetation

The verse specifies three categories of plant life:

דֶּשֶׁא (deshe) – "Grass": Rashi defines this as soft greenery that animals graze upon, which withers quickly but serves as immediate nourishment.
עֵשֶׂב מַזְרִיעַ זֶרַע (esev mazria zera) – "Herb yielding seed": Ramban explains that this refers to plants that produce seeds for future propagation, ensuring continuity.
עֵץ פְּרִי עֹשֶׂה פְּרִי (etz pri oseh pri) – "Fruit tree yielding fruit": The Talmud (Chullin 60a) notes that the original divine intention was for the taste of the tree to match the taste of its fruit, but the earth "disobeyed" by producing trees with bark of a different taste.

Divine Precision in Creation

The phrase "לְמִינוֹ" (lemino, "after its kind") emphasizes that each species was created with distinct characteristics. The Sforno highlights that this demonstrates Hashem's wisdom in designing a balanced ecosystem where each plant fulfills its unique role. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:30) further explains that this order reflects the unchanging laws of nature established by the Creator.

Seed as a Mechanism of Continuity

The phrase "אֲשֶׁר זַרְעוֹ־בוֹ" (asher zaro-bo, "whose seed is in itself") underscores the self-sustaining nature of plant life. The Malbim explains that this design ensures that vegetation can reproduce independently, fulfilling the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply" in its own way.

Fulfillment of the Command

The concluding words "וַיְהִי־כֵן" (vayehi-chein, "and it was so") signify the immediate and perfect execution of Hashem's will. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bereishit 5) teaches that this phrase appears throughout Creation to show that everything came into existence exactly as Hashem decreed, without deviation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 1:11 mean when it says 'fruit tree yielding fruit after its kind'?
A: This verse teaches that Hashem commanded the earth to produce vegetation, including trees that bear fruit according to their specific species ('after its kind'). Rashi explains that this means each tree was created with the inherent ability to reproduce its own unique type of fruit, ensuring biodiversity and order in creation.

Q: Why is it important that the verse mentions 'whose seed is in itself'?
A: The phrase 'whose seed is in itself' emphasizes that Hashem designed plants and trees with the built-in ability to reproduce. The Rambam (Maimonides) notes that this demonstrates divine wisdom in creation—each species contains its own mechanism for continuity, reflecting the orderly and purposeful nature of the world.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 1:11 about our relationship with nature?
A: This verse reminds us that Hashem created the natural world with precise laws and boundaries ('after its kind'). The Midrash teaches that we must respect these boundaries by not mixing species (kilayim) and by being responsible stewards of the earth, as everything follows Hashem's divine plan.

Q: How does Genesis 1:11 connect to the concept of brachot (blessings) on fruits and plants?
A: Since this verse highlights the creation of fruit-bearing trees and vegetation, it lays the foundation for the mitzvah of reciting brachot (blessings) over food. The Talmud (Berachot 35a) teaches that we say blessings before eating to acknowledge Hashem as the ultimate source of all growth and sustenance, as described in this verse.

Q: Why does the verse end with 'and it was so'?
A: The phrase 'and it was so' (וַיְהִי־כֵן) shows that Hashem's command was immediately fulfilled exactly as stated. Rashi explains that this emphasizes the precision of creation—unlike humans, whose plans may change, Hashem's word is executed perfectly and without delay.