6285. 'And may they increase into a multitude in the midst of the earth' means an extension from the inmost part. This is clear from the meaning of 'the midst' as the inmost part, dealt with in 1940, 2973, 6068, 6084, 6103. Consequently an increase into a multitude means an extension; for truths, meant by 'a multitude', extend from the inmost part as the centre to parts round about it. For the further they extend from it, and the more they do so in conformity with heavenly order, the greater is their state of perfection. That state is what is meant by this part of the blessing - 'that they may increase into a multitude in the midst of the earth'.

43. Verse 22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas; and let birds be multiplied upon the earth.

Everything that has life in it from the Lord is fruitful and multiplies without limit. This does not happen during a person's lifetime, but in the next life it does so to an astonishing extent. In the Word 'to be fruitful' has reference to matters of love, while 'to multiply' has reference to matters of faith. The fruit of love contains the seed by which it multiplies itself to so great an extent. The Lord' s blessing also means, in the Word, fruitfulness and multiplication, for they are the outcome of that blessing.

Verse 23 And there was evening, and there was morning, a fifth day.