Genesis 6:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

God declares, "But you shall take for yourself every type of food that they consume, and collect it for yourself; it will serve as sustenance for you and for them." Do not assume, He says, that you are forgotten in My plan. Observe that I instruct you to gather into the ark everything needed for your nourishment as well as that of the creatures, ensuring that neither you suffer from hunger nor the animals face starvation for lack of their provisions.

Regarding the trivial inquiries often raised about minor creatures—not only mice and lizards, but locusts, beetles, flies, and even fleas—concerning their numbers in the ark as compared to those specified by God’s command, it is important for those who dwell on such matters to remember that the phrase “the creeping things of the earth” (Gen. 6:20) indicates that it was unnecessary to include in the ark animals that could survive in water after being submerged, like fish, or those that could float on its surface, such as many birds. Furthermore, when it is said, “Let them be male and female” (Gen. 6:19), this clearly implies a goal of procreation to ensure the continuation of the species.

On that same day, elephants arrived from the east, while monkeys and peacocks came from the south. Various animals approached from the west and others from the north. The lions descended from their oak trees, predators emerged from their dens, and the deer alongside the wild asses departed from their wilderness. Creatures from the mountains were gathered down from their heights. The people of Noah's time gathered to witness this astonishing sight, not with a heart of repentance, but to delight in observing lions entering the ark before them, with oxen following closely behind, unafraid, seeking shelter alongside them. Wolves mingled with sheep, hawks with sparrows, and eagles with doves, all coming together.

What did the creatures consume while in the ark? Clearly, their diet consisted of herbs and seeds. God instructed Noah, “But thou shalt take unto thee of all the breasts, which thou eatest, and shalt gather them unto thee: and they shall be for thee and for them a brethren.” This command applies equally to humanity. As it is written, “Behold I have given you every herb that sows seed, which is on the top of all the earth: and every tree that beareth fruit of seed shall be for you to eat: and to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, which beareth in itself the soul of life, and every green herb for food” (Genesis 1:29-30). Thus, it is clear that both humans and animals refrained from consuming flesh, subsisting instead on the produce of the land. Rather than stating “that soweth seed,” Aquila interprets this as “that bringeth forth seed.”

The type and amount of nourishment are not specified in this context. Both aspects could be constrained by necessity, yet divine blessing could render even a small amount adequate. Thorough studies have demonstrated that the size of the ark was sufficient to accommodate a designated number of animals intended as food for other creatures, including those that are carnivorous.

The text does not specify if solely plant-based nourishment was designated for all creatures or if additional animals were intended for those that consume meat. There is no requirement to assume the latter scenario. If it were not due to innate necessity, then by a different kind of need, even carnivorous silent beings could adapt to a diet of plant food, similar to how household carnivores such as cats have eventually adjusted. With divine providence, the provisions for both humans and animals could be adequately sufficient.