3 Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.

Other Translations of Genesis 9:3

King James Version

3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.

English Standard Version

3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.

The Message

3 All living creatures are yours for food; just as I gave you the plants, now I give you everything else.

New King James Version

3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.

New Living Translation

3 I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 9:3

Commentary on Genesis 9:1-3

(Read Genesis 9:1-3)

The blessing of God is the cause of our doing well. On him we depend, to him we should be thankful. Let us not forget the advantage and pleasure we have from the labour of beasts, and which their flesh affords. Nor ought we to be less thankful for the security we enjoy from the savage and hurtful beasts, through the fear of man which God has fixed deep in them. We see the fulfilment of this promise every day, and on every side. This grant of the animals for food fully warrants the use of them, but not the abuse of them by gluttony, still less by cruelty. We ought not to pain them needlessly whilst they live, nor when we take away their lives.