In Genesis, how many pairs of each clean animal entered Noah’s Ark?

In Genesis, seven pairs of each clean animal entered Noah’s Ark. Genesis 7:2 instructs Noah to take seven pairs of clean animals, while taking one pair of animals that are not clean.

The passage distinguishes between clean and unclean animals before the later biblical laws of Leviticus and Deuteronomy are presented. Genesis does not provide a complete classification list here, but it clearly gives different numbers for the two categories. Genesis 7:3 also mentions seven pairs of birds.

A common summary says that Noah took only two of every animal. That wording reflects Genesis 6:19–20, which says a male and female of every kind should come to Noah. Genesis 7 adds the more specific instruction about extra clean animals, creating a detail that short retellings often omit.

The extra clean animals may also help explain the sacrifice Noah makes after leaving the Ark. Genesis 8:20 says he built an altar and offered burnt offerings from every clean animal and bird.