Be Fruitful and Multiply: What Does Genesis 1:22 Mean?

Genesis 1:22, “And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.” (King James Version)

Also see the meaning of What God Has Joined Together to learn more.

Be Fruitful and Multiply: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

1:20-25 God commanded the fish and fowl to be produced. This command he himself executed. Insects, which are more numerous than the birds and beasts, and as curious, seem to have been part of this day’s work.

The Creator’s wisdom and power are to be admired as much in an ant as in an elephant. The power of God’s providence preserves all things, and fruitfulness is the effect of his blessing.

Also see the meaning of I Knew You in the Womb to learn more.

Genesis 1:22 | Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ge 1:20-23. Fifth Day. The signs of animal life appeared in the waters and in the air.

20. moving creature—all oviparous animals, both among the finny and the feathery tribes—remarkable for their rapid and prodigious increase.

fowl—means every flying thing: The word rendered “whales,” includes also sharks, crocodiles, &c.; so that from the countless shoals of small fish to the great sea monsters, from the tiny insect to the king of birds, the waters and the air were suddenly made to swarm with creatures formed to live and sport in their respective elements.

Also see the meaning of He That Finds A Wife to learn more.