Word for Word: Episode 51

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לָכֶ֥ם יִֽהְיֶ֖ה לְאָכְלָֽה
To you it shall be for food
As the description of the sixth day concludes, God's providence is in the forefront. The word אָכְלָה (ok·lä') is the general word for food. It from the word אָכַל (ä·kal) which means "to eat, devour, burn up, feed".
The work is the third day is shown to be essential for the survival of the animate creatures of the fifth and sixth days. There were three classes of plants: the sprouts, the seed bearers and the fruit trees. The latter two are designated for humanity, while the first is for the the animals.
In common terms, this can be understood as seeds (grain, nuts and berries) and fruits (including vegetables) were for people, while grass and greens were for animals.

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