Genesis 7:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Indeed, God's creation has none that are unclean, as expressed in Scripture: "God saw all that He had made, and behold, it is very good" (Gen. 1:31).

Human nature itself has created a division in perception of cleanliness. For instance, even today, some communities abstain from certain foods labeling them as unclean, while others partake of them, influenced by cultural practices. Thus, Noah’s inherent knowledge revealed to him which animals were suitable for consumption and which were mistakenly deemed unclean. Questions arise, such as the reason behind the command to bring two of each unclean animal and seven of each clean animal. Why specifically seven and not six or eight?

While this inquiry may extend, if you are willing and interested, we shall succinctly address this matter in light of God's grace. Numerous interpretations exist, many of which veer into fanciful speculation about numerology. However, it is crucial to recognize that numerical references are commonly found in Scripture. For instance, when Jesus Christ sent His disciples to preach, He sent them "two by two" (Mark 6:7), forming twelve in total, while the gospels consist of four. You need not dwell on such points, for you are already equipped with sufficient knowledge to discern the truth from fables.

The command to bring "seven by seven" of the clean animals was established so that the righteous Noah would find comfort, as well as those who would share in the bounty of these creatures. The choice of seven carries significant meaning, reflecting Noah’s virtuous inclination towards God. The merciful Lord, fully aware of Noah's righteousness and his gratitude for deliverance from the flood, foresaw that upon their release from the ark, Noah would wish to offer sacrifices in thanksgiving for his salvation. Therefore, in order to preserve the pairs of animals for future generations and allow Noah to express his gratitude, the directive was to bring seven of each kind of bird into the ark.

This wisdom will be further illustrated as we delve deeper into the account. The purpose of collecting "seven in number" of the clean animals is now clear. Be cautious not to be swayed by those who, in contradiction to the divine narrative, insert their own speculations into the teachings of Scripture.

The Scripture indicates that unclean animals accompanied Noah into the ark, which does not imply that authorities should deny any of the morally deficient tragic figures—who may be less immoral than the comic figures—from receiving baptism. Rather, it signifies that the unclean will one day be part of the Church, not due to a distortion of doctrine or a relaxation of discipline, but through acceptance. The unclean creatures did not enter the ark through various openings as they wished, but rather through a single entrance established by the builder.

And if no vices cloud the mind, then his reflections are illuminated.

Now, let us explore the reason God instructs Noah to enter the ark and to gather seven of each clean animal, male and female, and two of each kind of unclean animal, to preserve the seed for all of creation. I believe this represents a period of purity, as the number seven is both sacred and undefiled, not mingled with anything else, nor originating from anything different. It is termed virgin because it does not bear offspring of its own, remaining detached from maternal reproduction and union with the female. Thus, the virgin is referred to by a feminine title yet is endowed with the masculine quality of sanctity, for any male lineage that penetrates the veils is deemed holy by the Lord, as indicated by the prophet: she was allowed to bear a son, which signifies holiness (Isaiah 66:7). Conversely, the number two lacks completeness, as it is prone to division; that which is incomplete encompasses emptiness. In contrast, the number seven bears fullness, resembling ten, akin to the original, similar to which alpha exists: that which persists eternally, from which all virtues arise, each in its own form, and flow.