In the context of the Bible, the term "breeds" is not explicitly used in the same way it is understood in modern times, particularly in reference to specific types of animals or plants developed through selective breeding. However, the concept of different kinds or species is present throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the creation narrative and in the laws concerning clean and unclean animals.

Creation and Kinds

The Book of Genesis provides the foundational understanding of the diversity of life as created by God. Genesis 1:24-25 states, "And God said, 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.' And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good." This passage emphasizes the concept of "kinds," which can be understood as categories or groups of living organisms that God created, each with its own distinct characteristics.

Clean and Unclean Animals

The distinction between clean and unclean animals is another area where the concept of different breeds or kinds is relevant. In Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, God provides the Israelites with dietary laws that distinguish between clean and unclean animals. These laws are based on specific characteristics, such as whether an animal has a split hoof and chews the cud. For example, Leviticus 11:3 states, "You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud."

These distinctions were not based on modern breeding practices but rather on the inherent characteristics of the animals as created by God. The purpose of these laws was to set the Israelites apart as a holy people, dedicated to God.

Domestication and Use of Animals

Throughout the Bible, various animals are mentioned in the context of domestication and their use by humans. For example, sheep, goats, and cattle are frequently mentioned as livestock that were integral to the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites. The practice of animal husbandry, which involves the breeding and care of livestock, is evident in the lives of biblical figures such as Abraham, Jacob, and David.

In Genesis 30, Jacob's selective breeding of Laban's flocks demonstrates an early understanding of animal husbandry. Jacob used specific techniques to increase the number of speckled and spotted animals in his care, as described in Genesis 30:37-39 : "Then Jacob took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches. And he set the peeled branches in the troughs in front of the flocks—where they came to drink. And the flocks bred in front of the branches, and they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted."

Symbolism and Metaphors

Animals and their characteristics are often used symbolically in the Bible. For instance, Jesus is referred to as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), symbolizing purity and sacrifice. Similarly, the lion is used as a symbol of strength and power, as seen in Proverbs 28:1 : "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly discuss "breeds" in the modern sense, it provides a framework for understanding the diversity of life through the concept of "kinds" and the distinctions between clean and unclean animals. The Scriptures also reflect an early understanding of animal husbandry and the symbolic use of animals to convey spiritual truths.

The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache
... Do not be jealous or contentious or impetuous, for all this breeds murder. ... Do
not use foul language or leer, for all this breeds adultery. ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the teaching of the twelve.htm

Faith
... fruitful. It breeds hardness of heart; therefore they are put together.
Mark 16:14. ... heart. Unbelief breeds the stone of the heart. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 1 faith.htm

Answering the Reasons which those Ministers Give, which Hinder the ...
... it without the guilt of Mortal Sin, because they are not worthy of it, or for the
greater reverence of it, or, because much Familiarity breeds Contempt, or ...
/.../chap ii answering the reasons.htm

On Redeeming the Time
... is just prepared to gratify. It breeds and continually increases sloth,
so often objected to the English nation. It opens the way ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 93 on redeeming the.htm

All Joy in all Trials
... Grace breeds no sorrow, except the healthy sorrow which comes with saving repentance
and leads to the joy of pardon: it comes not to make men miserable, but to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/all joy in all trials.htm

Jesus and his Fellow Townsmen.
... they had known him from a child!"and low indeed are they in whom familiarity with
the high and true breeds contempt! they are judged already. ...
/.../macdonald/hope of the gospel/jesus and his fellow townsmen.htm

Praying Men at a Premium
... breed neglect. Prayers should be specific and urgent. Too many words, like
too much width, breeds shallows and sand-bars. A single ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/vi praying men at a.htm

The Influences that Produced the New Testament
... appreciate it. Familiarity with that which is noble breeds not contempt
but reverence, and intelligent devotion. Acquaintance with ...
/.../v the influences that produced.htm

Of Removing Tithes.
... If a man breeds or buys barren unprofitable cattle and sells them, he shall pay
for the agistment; but, if he depastures his land with his cattle, used in ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/8 of removing tithes.htm

The Man and the Book.
... The discipline of the desert, the clear eye for ordinary facts and the sharp ear
for sudden alarms which it breeds, along with the desert shepherd's horror of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture i the man and.htm

Breeds (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Breeds (2 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Proverbs 13:10 Pride
only breeds quarrels, but with ones who take advice is wisdom. (WEB NIV). ...
/b/breeds.htm - 6k

Breed (6 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To give birth to; to be the native place of; as, a pond breeds fish; a northern
country breeds stout men. 6. (vt) To raise, as any kind of stock. ...
/b/breed.htm - 10k

Cross (157 Occurrences)
... 11. (n.) A mixing of breeds or stock, especially in cattle breeding; or
the product of such intermixture; a hybrid of any kind. 12. ...
/c/cross.htm - 50k

Quarrels (10 Occurrences)
... your members? (See NAS NIV). Proverbs 13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but
with ones who take advice is wisdom. (WEB NIV). Proverbs ...
/q/quarrels.htm - 9k

Native (35 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) Any of the live stock found in a region, as distinguished from such as
belong to pure and distinct imported breeds. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/n/native.htm - 19k

Mongrel (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The progeny resulting from a cross between two
breeds; anything of mixed breed. 2. (a.) Not of a pure breed. ...
/m/mongrel.htm - 6k

Peacock
... the gorgeous train. She nests on earth and breeds with difficulty when
imported, the young being delicate and tender. The grown ...
/p/peacock.htm - 11k

Breeding-place (1 Occurrence)
Breeding-place. Breeding, Breeding-place. Breeds . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See JPS). Breeding, Breeding-place. Breeds . Reference Bible.
/b/breeding-place.htm - 6k

Breeze (2 Occurrences)

/b/breeze.htm - 7k

Breeder (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which, breeds, produces, brings
up, etc. 2. (n.) A cause. Multi-Version Concordance Breeder (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/breeder.htm - 6k

Who / what were the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.org

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