Genesis 6:20 – Meaning, Explanation, and Related Bible Verses

Verse: Genesis 6:20
Theme: Obedience, Divine Preservation, and the Order of Creation in a Time of Judgment

Of fowls after their kind and of cattle after their kind of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind two of every sort shall come unto thee to keep them alive
— Genesis 6:20, King James Version (KJV)

Two of every kind of bird every kind of animal and every kind of small animal that scurries along the ground will come to you to be kept alive
— Genesis 6:20, New Living Translation (NLT)

Of the birds according to their kind and of the animals according to their kind of every crawling thing of the ground according to its kind two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive
— Genesis 6:20, New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Two of every kind of bird of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive
— Genesis 6:20, New International Version (NIV)

Two of each kind of bird animal and reptile will come to you to be kept alive
— Genesis 6:20, The Message (MSG)

Meaning of Genesis 6:20

Genesis 6:20 is part of the divine instructions given to Noah before the great flood. While the entire earth was about to face judgment because of rampant wickedness, God provided a way of preservation through Noah’s obedience. This verse outlines how pairs of every kind of animal would come to Noah to be kept alive aboard the ark.

At face value, this is a logistical detail about the animals that would enter the ark. But spiritually, it communicates far more. It emphasizes God’s sovereign control over creation. The animals did not need to be hunted or trapped. They were divinely appointed to come to Noah. This was not a random survival task but an ordained act of preservation set in motion by God Himself.

It also highlights the value God places on life. Not only was Noah and his family preserved, but creation itself—birds, cattle, and creeping things—were given a future. In this, we see God’s redemptive character. Even amid judgment, God was still preparing for restoration.

Genesis 6:20 reminds us that obedience is not about understanding everything. Noah did not know the mechanics of how animals would come. He simply obeyed. And God fulfilled the rest. This is a call to trust God’s provision even when the command seems mysterious or overwhelming.

Popular Words of Wisdom from Genesis 6:20

Obedience is not about the outcome it is about trusting the One who commands
— Dr Tony Evans, Pastor and Founder of The Urban Alternative

Even in wrath God remembers mercy. He prepares preservation before the storm arrives
— Priscilla Shirer, Speaker and Bible Teacher

The animals came not because Noah was skilled but because God is sovereign
— Tim Keller, Theologian and Co-founder of Redeemer City to City

Genesis 6:20 teaches that divine instruction is always accompanied by divine assistance
— Lisa Bevere, Christian Author and Founder of Messenger International

Noah did not call the animals. God did. Some doors in life are opened not by hustle but by obedience
— Jackie Hill Perry, Poet, Theologian, and Author of Holier Than Thou

The same God who holds back judgment also makes plans for restoration
— N T Wright, New Testament Scholar and Anglican Bishop

When the world is drowning in corruption obedience is your ark
— Steven Furtick, Pastor of Elevation Church and Christian Communicator

Preservation always comes before promotion. God prepares you for purpose through protection
— Christine Caine, Evangelist and Founder of A21 Campaign Against Human Trafficking

The order of creation is never random to God. Every kind after its kind tells us there is purpose even in diversity
— Malcolm Gladwell, Author and Cultural Thinker

God’s plan includes the sparrow and the serpent. Nothing escapes His attention
— Dr Bernice King, Minister and CEO of The King Center

Explaining the Context of Genesis 6:20

The verse sits within a crucial turning point in biblical history. The early chapters of Genesis trace humanity’s fall into sin, with violence and corruption filling the earth. God, grieved by humanity’s rebellion, declares judgment in the form of a global flood. But Noah, a righteous man in his generation, finds grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Genesis 6 contains God’s specific instructions to Noah about building the ark. The ark would become the vessel of survival not only for Noah and his family but for the animal kingdom as well. Verse 20 is part of the detailed blueprint of how the animals would be preserved—two of every kind, representing the diversity of life that God had originally created.

The phrase “shall come unto thee” is especially noteworthy. It means Noah was not tasked with chasing or corralling wild animals. The sovereign hand of God would guide them to the ark. This emphasizes God’s power and intention behind the preservation plan. It was not a human endeavor. It was a divine orchestration.

Genesis 6:20 reflects the broader story of judgment and mercy. While the earth would face cleansing through the flood, the seed for new life was being preserved. It also sets the stage for the covenant that God would later make with Noah—a promise of hope and continuity.

Explaining the Key Parts of Genesis 6:20

Of Fowls After Their Kind

This refers to birds of every species. The emphasis on “after their kind” is a reference to the created order in Genesis 1. God values distinction, beauty, and order. He is preserving not just a few birds but the diversity He originally designed.

And of Cattle After Their Kind

This includes domestic animals and larger land-dwelling creatures. Again, each is preserved according to its own kind. God’s attention to detail in creation extends to salvation. Nothing is overlooked.

Of Every Creeping Thing of the Earth After His Kind

This category includes insects, reptiles, and other small ground creatures. In human eyes, these may seem insignificant, but they are included in God’s plan. The verse subtly teaches that God’s salvation touches every corner of creation, not just the parts we value most.

Two of Every Sort Shall Come Unto Thee

This is perhaps the most profound part. The animals would come to Noah. He was not expected to chase them. God orchestrated the movement. Noah’s job was obedience, not strategy. This part of the verse showcases God’s ability to bring provision directly to His people when they are walking in obedience.

To Keep Them Alive

The goal was preservation. God values life. In a world facing destruction, He was planning continuity. This part of the verse reflects the heart of God—a God who rescues, sustains, and continues to work through the faithful.

Lessons to Learn from Genesis 6:20

1. God Values All Life

From the great eagle to the tiniest creeping thing, God includes them all in His plan. This teaches us to value all aspects of creation. There is no life too small to matter to God.

2. Divine Obedience Attracts Divine Provision

Noah’s obedience opened the door for supernatural coordination. The animals came to him because he followed God’s instructions. Obedience often precedes provision.

3. God Is Always Preparing for What Comes Next

While the world was unaware of the flood, God was already setting plans in place for survival. He is not reactive. He is proactive. He always provides a way for those who walk with Him.

4. Preservation Is a Form of Grace

Amid judgment, God still protects what He values. This includes you. Even when life feels uncertain, God is in the business of preservation for the sake of a greater purpose.

5. Trust the Process Even When You Do Not Understand the Plan

Noah had no prior experience building arks or welcoming animals. Yet he followed every command exactly. Trusting God means obeying even when the outcome seems far away.

Related Bible Verses

By faith Noah being warned of God of things not seen as yet moved with fear prepared an ark to the saving of his house
— Hebrews 11:7, King James Version (KJV)

The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof the world and they that dwell therein
— Psalm 24:1, King James Version (KJV)

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel
— Proverbs 12:10, King James Version (KJV)

O Lord thou preservest man and beast
— Psalm 36:6, King James Version (KJV)

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding
— Proverbs 3:5, King James Version (KJV)

How This Verse Points to Christ

Genesis 6:20 does not merely reflect an ancient survival story. It foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ. Just as Noah built an ark for the saving of life, so Christ offers Himself as the ark of salvation to all who believe. In Him, life is preserved not just physically but eternally.

The gathering of the animals speaks to the inclusiveness of God’s plan. No creature was excluded. Similarly, Christ invites all to come, regardless of race, status, or history. The ark had space for every kind. So does the cross.

The command to keep them alive echoes the mission of Christ. He came not to condemn the world but to save it. In Genesis 6:20, life was physically spared. In Christ, life is spiritually reborn. The mercy in the ark becomes the fullness of mercy on the cross.

Where Noah was the chosen man of preservation, Jesus is the perfect Savior of redemption. The animals were brought into the ark by God’s hand. We are drawn to Christ by the Spirit. Noah built with wood to save lives. Christ was nailed to the wood to save souls.

Closing Reflection

Genesis 6:20 may appear to be a technical verse about animals, but it is overflowing with grace, order, and divine promise. It shows a God who plans ahead, who values even the smallest life, and who rewards obedience with supernatural provision.

In a world facing judgment, Noah was chosen because he walked with God. And even as the flood approached, God was organizing salvation down to the very bird and creeping thing. This reminds us that God never forgets. He never overlooks. He is a God of preservation, purpose, and power.

If you are in a season where instructions seem confusing or overwhelming, remember Noah. Remember that the animals came to him. That God honored his obedience with provision. Your task is to trust and obey. God will handle the rest.

Say This Prayer

Dear Lord

Thank You for showing me through Genesis 6:20 that You care for every part of Your creation. Thank You for being a God who plans and preserves what You love.

Help me to trust Your instructions even when I do not see the full picture. Let my obedience attract Your provision and protection. Teach me to value what You value and to care for all that You entrust to me.

Just as You brought the animals to Noah, bring to me every resource and opportunity needed to fulfill Your purpose. I hide myself in You, the true ark of salvation.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.