Genesis 7:3

3 and also seven pairs of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth.

Genesis 7:3 in Other Translations

KJV
3 Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.
ESV
3 and seven pairs of the birds of the heavens also, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth.
NLT
3 Also take seven pairs of every kind of bird. There must be a male and a female in each pair to ensure that all life will survive on the earth after the flood.
MSG
3 and seven pairs of every kind of bird, a male and a female, to insure their survival on Earth.
CSB
3 and seven pairs, male and female, of the birds of the sky-in order to keep offspring alive on the face of the whole earth.

Genesis 7:3 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 7:3

Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and his
female
That is, of such as were clean; seven couple of these were to be brought into the ark, for the like use as of the clean beasts, and those under the law; and so at this time, and here meant were turtledoves, and young pigeons that were for sacrifice; and the rest were for food: and the design of bringing both into the ark was, to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth;
that the species of creatures might be continued, both of beasts and birds, clean and unclean.

Genesis 7:3 In-Context

1 The LORD then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.
2 Take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and one pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate,
3 and also seven pairs of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth.
4 Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made.”
5 And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him.

Cross References 1

Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.