Read the Daily Bible Verse Genesis 6:21 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
“And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.” — Genesis 6:21 (KJV)
Genesis 6:21 is a verse that, while often overlooked, carries profound theological significance and practical application. The verse, found within the narrative of Noah’s Ark, presents God’s instruction to Noah to gather food for himself, his family, and the animals that would be with him on the ark. This directive may seem mundane compared to the grandeur of the ark itself, but it encapsulates essential themes of divine provision, obedience, and stewardship.
Genesis 6:21 KJV Background
To fully appreciate Genesis 6:21, it is important to situate it within the broader context of Genesis 6. This chapter marks a critical juncture in the biblical narrative, where humanity’s wickedness has reached such a peak that God decides to cleanse the earth through a cataclysmic flood. Noah, described as a righteous man in a generation of corruption, finds favor in God’s eyes and is chosen to build an ark to save his family and representatives of all living creatures.
The directive in Genesis 6:21 comes after God has detailed the dimensions and design of the ark. It is a specific command within a larger set of instructions, focusing on the practical necessities of survival during the flood. The verse is simple in its command: Noah is to gather all types of food that could be eaten by both humans and animals and store it in the ark.
This command is significant because it highlights God’s attention to detail and His care for all His creation. By instructing Noah to gather food, God ensures that every living being on the ark is sustained during the flood. This reflects God’s providence and care, even amid judgment.
Genesis 6:21 Significance
Genesis 6:21 holds profound significance on multiple levels—spiritual, theological, and practical.
1. Divine Provision:
The verse underscores God’s role as a provider. Even in the face of impending destruction, God makes provisions for the survival of Noah, his family, and the creatures aboard the ark. This is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, where God provides for the needs of His people. Just as He provided manna in the wilderness for the Israelites (Exodus 16), here God provides the necessary sustenance for life during the flood.
2. Human Responsibility:
While God provides the instructions, it is Noah’s responsibility to follow them. This verse emphasizes the partnership between divine sovereignty and human agency. God could have miraculously sustained Noah and the animals without the need for food, but instead, He chose to involve Noah in the process. This involvement serves as a reminder that while God is our provider, humans have a responsibility to act in obedience to His commands.
3. Stewardship:
Genesis 6:21 also touches on the concept of stewardship. Noah is tasked with gathering and managing the food supply, ensuring that it lasts throughout the duration of the flood. This stewardship reflects the broader biblical principle that humans are caretakers of God’s creation, a theme introduced earlier in Genesis 1:28, where humanity is given dominion over the earth. Noah’s gathering of food represents a faithful stewardship that preserves life.
4. Preparation and Faith:
The command to gather food is also an act of faith. Noah prepares for an event that has never occurred before—a global flood—simply because God has commanded it. This preparation in the face of uncertainty is a demonstration of Noah’s faith in God’s word. It serves as a model for believers to trust in God’s promises and act accordingly, even when the outcome is not fully understood.
Genesis 6:21 Application in Life
The practical applications of Genesis 6:21 are numerous, extending far beyond the specific context of Noah’s ark.
1. Trusting in God’s Provision:
Just as Noah trusted that God would provide everything needed for survival, believers today are called to trust in God’s provision. This trust is not passive; it involves actively seeking God’s guidance and being diligent in the responsibilities He gives us. In modern life, this could mean preparing for life’s challenges by trusting that God will provide the resources, wisdom, and strength needed to overcome them.
2. Obedience to God’s Commands:
Noah’s obedience in gathering the food, despite the magnitude of the task, is a powerful example of following God’s commands, even when they seem daunting. For believers, this underscores the importance of obeying God’s word in all aspects of life, whether the task seems significant or trivial. It is through obedience that we align ourselves with God’s will and experience His blessings.
3. Stewardship of Resources:
The principle of stewardship found in Genesis 6:21 is particularly relevant in today’s world, where issues such as environmental conservation, resource management, and sustainability are pressing concerns. As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to manage the resources entrusted to us wisely. This includes everything from how we care for the environment to how we manage our personal finances and time.
4. Preparing for the Future:
The act of gathering food as a preparation for the flood is a lesson in prudence and foresight. In a spiritual sense, this can be applied to the believer’s need to prepare for the future by nurturing their faith, growing in spiritual maturity, and storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20). In a practical sense, it could relate to planning for future needs, whether in terms of career, family, or personal growth.
See also: Genesis 6:20 Meaning, Context & Commentary
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Genesis 6:21 can be compared and contrasted with other biblical texts that emphasize similar themes of provision, obedience, and stewardship.
1. The Gathering of Manna (Exodus 16):
In Exodus 16, God provides manna for the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. Just as Noah was instructed to gather food for the flood, the Israelites were commanded to gather manna daily, with specific instructions for gathering extra on the day before the Sabbath. Both instances highlight God’s provision and the need for obedience to His instructions. However, while Noah’s gathering was a one-time preparation for a specific event, the gathering of manna was a daily act of dependence on God’s provision.
2. Joseph’s Preparation for Famine (Genesis 41):
Joseph’s preparation for the seven years of famine in Egypt is another parallel to Genesis 6:21. God revealed to Joseph the coming famine and instructed him to store up grain during the seven years of plenty. Like Noah, Joseph acted in obedience, gathering and storing food to ensure survival during a time of crisis. Both narratives emphasize the importance of preparation and trusting in God’s guidance.
3. The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13):
The parable of the ten virgins, where five were wise and brought extra oil for their lamps and five were foolish and did not, echoes the theme of preparation found in Genesis 6:21. The wise virgins, like Noah, prepared for an event they knew was coming but did not know the exact timing. This parable reinforces the message that believers must always be prepared, spiritually and practically, for the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Modern Significance
In modern times, Genesis 6:21 continues to hold significant relevance for believers.
1. Faith Amid Uncertainty:
In a world full of uncertainties, the faith and obedience exemplified by Noah are as essential as ever. Just as Noah prepared for the flood without fully understanding it, believers today are called to trust in God’s promises and act in faith, even when the future is unclear. This faith is not blind but is rooted in the assurance of God’s character and His faithfulness throughout history.
2. Environmental Stewardship:
The theme of stewardship in Genesis 6:21 is increasingly relevant in today’s context of environmental concerns. The command to gather food and preserve life aboard the ark reflects a broader biblical mandate to care for God’s creation. As stewards of the earth, believers have a responsibility to engage in sustainable practices, protect natural resources, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and abundance of God’s creation.
3. Preparedness in All Aspects of Life:
The principle of preparedness found in Genesis 6:21 can be applied to various aspects of modern life. Whether it is preparing for economic challenges, natural disasters, or spiritual growth, the act of gathering and storing resources is a practical expression of faith. This preparedness is not about hoarding or living in fear but about being wise and prudent in managing the resources God has provided.
4. Trusting in God’s Provision in a Materialistic World:
In a society that often prioritizes material wealth and self-sufficiency, Genesis 6:21 serves as a reminder that true provision comes from God. Believers are encouraged to seek God’s guidance in their financial and material decisions, trusting that He will provide for their needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
Three to Four Comments on Genesis 6:21
“Genesis 6:21 reminds us that God’s provision is holistic, encompassing not just spiritual needs but also practical, everyday necessities. In the midst of divine judgment, God’s care for Noah’s physical sustenance is a testament to His love and attention to detail.”
“This verse is a powerful example of how God involves humanity in His plans. Noah’s task of gathering food wasn’t just about survival; it was an act of obedience and stewardship, teaching us the importance of actively participating in God’s work.”
“Genesis 6:21 speaks to the importance of preparation and foresight. In a world that often prioritizes the immediate and the now, this verse encourages believers to think ahead, to plan, and to prepare