The phrase “be fruitful and multiply” originates from Genesis 1:28, where God commands humanity to populate the earth and steward it. It signifies both the physical procreation of descendants and the broader mandate to cultivate and care for creation.
Scripture
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.
30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.
“Be Fruitful and Multiply” in the Bible
The phrase “be fruitful and multiply” found in Genesis 1:28 encapsulates a divine mandate that extends beyond mere population increase. It represents humanity’s calling not only to procreate but also to engage in the stewardship of God’s creation. The command, set within the context of God’s blessing, emphasizes that human beings are co-creators with Him, tasked with nurturing and cultivating the earth. This idea is further reflected in Genesis 2:15, where Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden to “work it and take care of it,” suggesting that human productivity and stewardship are essential aspects of fulfilling the original command.
Additionally, the concept of being fruitful and multiplying has deeper theological implications within the narrative of the Old and New Testaments. It can represent spiritual multiplication and growth as well, particularly seen in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs His followers to make disciples of all nations. This echoes the Genesis mandate, suggesting that true fruitfulness extends beyond physical descendants to include spiritual progeny—believers who would embody and propagate the teachings of Christ. Ultimately, the command reflects God’s intention for humanity to flourish, both in numbers and in spiritual vitality, highlighting the interconnectedness of creation, community, and divine purpose throughout the biblical narrative.
Another dimension of the “be fruitful and multiply” directive can be found within the context of covenant theology throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. For instance, the covenant God makes with Noah after the flood reaffirms this command, highlighting it as a restoration of the original divine blessing given to humanity. In this covenant, God reiterates His commitment to sustaining life and endorses the idea of regeneration and renewal in the post-flood world, allowing humanity to thrive and flourish once more. Here, the mandate not only reflects an increase in population but also emphasizes a sense of hope and renewal in God’s creation, showcasing His persistent grace in the face of human failure.
Moreover, in the New Testament, Paul’s letters often touch on the theme of a transformative and effective life in Christ, which can also be interpreted through the lens of fruitfulness. In Galatians 5:22-23, the fruits of the Spirit serve as attributes that believers are encouraged to cultivate within their lives. This idea of spiritual fruit-bearing further expands the definition of multiplication, as each believer is called to foster their spiritual gifts and contribute to the body of Christ, resulting in a vibrant and growing community of faith. In this light, “be fruitful and multiply” encompasses not just biological propagation but a holistic flourishing of relationships, faith communities, and spiritual discipleship, illustrating God’s desire for His creation to thrive in every sense of the word.
The Call to Stewardship and Care for Creation
The phrase “be fruitful and multiply” extends beyond mere procreation; it encompasses a broader responsibility to steward the earth and its resources. This call emphasizes the importance of nurturing and caring for the environment, ensuring that creation flourishes. It reflects the divine intention for humanity to engage actively in the cultivation of the world, promoting sustainability and harmony within the created order.
The Importance of Community and Relationships
In a broader sense, “be fruitful and multiply” can also signify the importance of building community and fostering relationships. This idea encourages individuals to connect with one another, share their gifts, and contribute to the collective well-being of society. It highlights the value of family, friendship, and communal bonds, suggesting that growth is not only about physical offspring but also about the relationships that enrich human life and promote mutual support.
Spiritual Growth and Discipleship
Another interpretation of this phrase relates to spiritual growth and the call to make disciples. In this context, being fruitful involves the idea of nurturing one’s faith and sharing it with others, leading to spiritual multiplication. This perspective emphasizes the importance of evangelism, mentorship, and the transmission of faith across generations, encouraging believers to actively participate in the growth of the spiritual community and the expansion of God’s kingdom.
How to Embrace God’s Design for a Fulfilling Life
Embracing God’s design for a fulfilling life begins with a heart open to His guidance and a willingness to trust in His plan, even when it feels uncertain. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word to shape your understanding of purpose and identity. Reflect on Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises a future filled with hope, reminding us that His intentions for us are good. Engage in prayer, seeking not just answers but a deeper relationship with Him, and listen for His voice in the quiet moments of your day. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage and challenge you to grow in faith, and serve others with love, as Jesus taught us. Remember, a fulfilling life isn’t about the absence of struggles but about finding joy and meaning in the journey, knowing that you are walking hand in hand with your Creator.
Bible References to “Be Fruitful and Multiply”:
Genesis 9:1-3: 1 And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.
2 The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth and upon every bird of the heavens, upon everything that creeps on the ground and all the fish of the sea. Into your hand they are delivered.
3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.
Genesis 35:11-12: 11 And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body.
12 And the land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your offspring after you.
Leviticus 26:9-10: 9 I will turn to you and make you fruitful and multiply you and will confirm my covenant with you.
10 You shall eat old store long kept, and you shall clear out the old to make way for the new.
Deuteronomy 7:12-14: 12 And because you listen to these rules and keep and do them, the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant and the steadfast love that he swore to your fathers.
13 He will love you, bless you, and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your wine and your oil, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock, in the land that he swore to your fathers to give you.
14 You shall be blessed above all peoples. There shall not be male or female barren among you or among your livestock.
Psalm 127:3-5: 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Psalm 128:1-4: 1 Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!
2 For you shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.
Jeremiah 23:3-4: 3 Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply.
4 I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord.
Ezekiel 36:8-11: 8 But you, O mountains of Israel, shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to my people Israel, for they will soon come.
9 For behold, I am for you, and I will turn to you, and you shall be tilled and sown.
10 And I will multiply people on you, the whole house of Israel, all of it. The cities shall be inhabited and the waste places rebuilt.
11 And I will multiply on you man and beast, and they shall multiply and be fruitful. And I will cause you to be inhabited as in your former times, and will do more good to you than ever before. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
John 15:1-8: 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.”
2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.