Genesis 7:3 - Divine preservation through pairs.

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Hebrew Text

גַּם מֵעוֹף הַשָּׁמַיִם שִׁבְעָה שִׁבְעָה זָכָר וּנְקֵבָה לְחַיּוֹת זֶרַע עַל־פְּנֵי כָל־הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

Of birds of the air, also by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.

Transliteration

Gam me'of hashamayim shiv'a shiv'a zakhar unekevah lechayot zera al pnei kol ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

גַּ֣ם מֵע֧וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם שִׁבְעָ֥ה שִׁבְעָ֖ה זָכָ֣ר וּנְקֵבָ֑ה לְחַיּ֥וֹת זֶ֖רַע עַל־פְּנֵ֥י כׇל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bereshit 7:3) appears in the narrative of Noach and the flood, where Hashem instructs Noach to take pairs of animals into the ark to preserve life. While most animals were taken in pairs (male and female), certain species—specifically kosher birds and animals—were taken in seven pairs ("שִׁבְעָה שִׁבְעָה").

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 7:3) explains that the extra pairs of kosher birds and animals were necessary for future sacrificial offerings (korbanot) after the flood. Since only kosher species are fit for offerings, Noach needed additional specimens to ensure their survival and availability for mitzvot.

Ramban's Insight

Ramban (Bereshit 7:2) elaborates that the distinction between kosher and non-kosher animals in this command reflects their spiritual purpose. Kosher animals, which are fit for divine service, required greater preservation to fulfill their role in avodat Hashem.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 32:8) notes that the phrase "לְחַיּוֹת זֶרַע" ("to keep seed alive") emphasizes Hashem's mercy—even in judgment, He ensures the continuity of creation. The extra pairs of kosher birds symbolize the potential for renewal and divine kindness.

Halachic Implications

Korbanot: The seven pairs underscore the importance of maintaining species fit for sacrifices, a principle later codified in halacha (Rambam, Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot).
Kashrut: The distinction between kosher and non-kosher animals in the ark reinforces the Torah's later dietary laws (Vayikra 11).

Symbolism of Seven

The number seven ("שִׁבְעָה") alludes to completion and sanctity, as seen in Shabbat (the seventh day) and the Mishkan's construction. Here, it signifies the divine plan for a renewed, sanctified world after the flood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Noah take seven pairs of clean birds onto the ark?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 7:3), Noah took seven pairs of clean birds (as opposed to one pair of unclean animals) because they would later be needed for sacrifices after the flood. The Torah later identifies which birds are considered 'clean' and suitable for offerings.

Q: What does 'to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth' mean in this verse?
A: This phrase means that the purpose of taking pairs of animals and birds was to ensure the continuation of each species after the flood. The Ramban explains that this shows God's mercy in preserving creation, even while bringing judgment through the flood.

Q: Why does the verse specify taking birds 'male and female'?
A: The specification of male and female emphasizes that reproduction was essential for repopulating the earth after the flood. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) discusses how this command ensured the survival of all species that Noah brought onto the ark.

Q: How do we know which birds were considered 'clean' in Noah's time?
A: While the Torah doesn't list clean birds until Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, Jewish tradition (as explained by Rashi and Ramban) holds that Noah received this information through divine instruction. The clean birds were those later permitted for consumption and sacrifices in the Torah.

Q: What lesson can we learn from God commanding Noah to preserve the birds?
A: The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 32:8) teaches that this shows God's care for all creatures. Even during judgment, God makes provisions for renewal and future life. This teaches us the importance of preserving and respecting all of God's creation.