The Bible

 

Genesis 1:1

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From Swedenborg's Works

 

Arcana Coelestia #670

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670. That 'living creature' 1 means things of the understanding, and 'all flesh' those of the will, becomes clear from what has been stated already, and also from what follows. In the Word 'living creature' means all animal life in general, as in Genesis 1:10, 21, 24; 2:19. Here however, because the phrase 'all flesh' is added immediately after, it means things which belong to the understanding, for the reason given already, that the regeneration of the member of this Church had to begin in the things of the understanding. This also is why in the next verse 'birds' are mentioned first, which mean things of the understanding or the rational, and 'beasts', which are those of the will, second. 'Flesh' in particular means bodily-mindedness which is a feature of the will.

Footnotes:

1. literally, living soul

  
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Thanks to the Swedenborg Society for the permission to use this translation.

Commentary

 

Seed

  

'A seed' signifies the ultimate and primary levels in a person. It also signifies good and truth from the Lord. In an opposite sense, it signifies falsity of doctrine and hellish falsity. 'A seed' signifies everyone who constitutes the Lord's spiritual kingdom and faith grounded in charity.

In Genesis 12:7, 8:15, 16, 'a seed' signifies love and everyone who has love.

(References: Arcana Coelestia 1025, Genesis 7, 12)