Genesis 9:1

And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.

Study Bible

And God blessed
The phrase "And God blessed" signifies a divine favor and empowerment bestowed by God. The Hebrew word for "blessed" is "בָּרַךְ" (barak), which implies a sense of endowment with strength, prosperity, and success. This blessing echoes the original blessing given to Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:28, indicating a continuity of God's purpose for humanity despite the judgment of the flood. It underscores God's grace and His desire for human flourishing and stewardship over creation.

Noah and his sons
Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, are the recipients of God's blessing. This highlights the importance of family and generational continuity in God's plan. Historically, Noah is seen as a second Adam, a new beginning for humanity. The inclusion of his sons signifies the extension of the covenant promise to future generations, emphasizing the communal and familial nature of God's blessings and responsibilities.

and said to them
The phrase "and said to them" indicates direct communication from God, emphasizing the personal relationship between God and humanity. This divine instruction is not just a command but a relational dialogue, reflecting God's ongoing involvement and guidance in human affairs. It underscores the importance of listening to God's voice and aligning with His will.

Be fruitful and multiply
"Be fruitful and multiply" is a command and blessing that encourages procreation and the expansion of human life on earth. The Hebrew words "פָּרָה" (parah) for "be fruitful" and "רָבָה" (rabah) for "multiply" suggest growth, abundance, and increase. This mandate reflects God's desire for life to flourish and for humanity to participate in the creative process. It also implies a responsibility to nurture and care for the earth and its inhabitants.

and fill the earth
The command to "fill the earth" extends the mandate given to Adam and Eve, emphasizing the spread of human civilization across the globe. The Hebrew word "מָלֵא" (male) means to fill or replenish, suggesting a restoration and renewal of the earth after the flood. This phrase highlights humanity's role in populating and stewarding the earth, aligning with God's sovereign plan for creation. It also points to the diversity and richness of human cultures and societies as part of God's design.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The Creator and Sustainer of all life, who initiates a new covenant with Noah and his descendants after the flood.

2. Noah
A righteous man chosen by God to survive the flood and repopulate the earth.

3. Noah's Sons
Shem, Ham, and Japheth, who are tasked with repopulating the earth alongside their father.

4. The Earth
The renewed creation that has been cleansed by the flood, now ready to be filled with life once again.

5. The Blessing
God's command and promise to Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply, echoing the original blessing given to Adam and Eve.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
God remains faithful to His creation, ensuring its continuation through Noah and his family.

The Importance of Family
The command to be fruitful and multiply underscores the significance of family in God's plan.

Human Responsibility
Humanity is entrusted with the stewardship of the earth, a responsibility that began with Adam and is renewed with Noah.

Continuity of God's Plan
God's command to Noah mirrors His original intent for creation, showing His unchanging purpose.

Blessing and Obedience
God's blessings often come with responsibilities, and obedience to His commands leads to the fulfillment of His promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does God's command to Noah and his sons in Genesis 9:1 reflect His original command to Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:28?

2. In what ways can we see the theme of God's faithfulness in the account of Noah and the flood?

3. How does the concept of being fruitful and multiplying apply to our lives today, both physically and spiritually?

4. What responsibilities do we have as stewards of God's creation, and how can we fulfill them in our daily lives?

5. How can the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 be seen as a continuation of God's command to fill the earth, and what practical steps can we take to participate in this mission?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:28
This verse parallels the original command given to Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, highlighting the continuity of God's plan for humanity.

Genesis 8:17
God's instruction to Noah to release the animals so they may multiply on the earth, showing the restoration of creation.

Psalm 127:3-5
These verses emphasize the blessing of children, aligning with God's command to multiply.

Matthew 28:19
The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, can be seen as a spiritual multiplication and filling of the earth.