Bereshis 7:22

22 All in whose nostrils was the ruach chayyim, of all that was in the dry land, perished.

Bereshis 7:22 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 7:22

All in whose nostrils [was] the breath of life
Whether of fowls, beast, cattle, or creeping things:

of all that was in the dry land, died;
by which description fishes were excepted, since they breathe not, having no lungs, and are not on the dry land, where they cannot live, but in the waters. Some pretend it to be the opinion of some Jewish writers, that the fishes did die, the waters being made hot, and scalded them; but this fable I have not met with.

Bereshis 7:22 In-Context

20 Fifteen cubits upward did the waters rise; and the harim were covered.

21 And kol basar perished that moved upon ha’aretz, both of Oph, and of Behemah, and of Beast, and of every Swarming Thing that swarms upon ha’aretz, and kol haadam;

22 All in whose nostrils was the ruach chayyim, of all that was in the dry land, perished.

23 And every living creature was wiped out which was upon the p’nei haadamah, both Adam, and Behemah, and the Remes, and the Oph HaShomayim; and they were wiped out from ha’aretz: and Noach only remained alive, and they that were with him in the tevah (ark).

24 And the waters flooded upon ha’aretz a hundred and fifty days.