Pru Urvu and Conquest: Exploring the Connection
The Torah's command to "be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and conquer it" (Genesis 1:28) has long intrigued scholars, particularly in relation to the Mishna in Yevamot, which explains that the mitzvah of pru urvu—the commandment to procreate—is obligatory for men but not for women. This distinction is linked to the verse's inclusion of the word "v'kivshuha" ("conquer it"), which, according to the Talmud, is understood to reflect a male-dominated concept of conquest. This relationship between multiplication and conquest invites us to explore several questions: How is procreation connected to the concept of conquest, which might seem almost opposite in nature? Why is the mitzvah specifically associated with men, especially when procreation is inherently impossible without women? And finally, what is the purpose of filling and conquering the Earth—concepts that might be perceived negatively by some?
These questions serve as the foundation of our exploration, and the answers reveal a profound understanding of the mitzvah of pru urvu as a form of partnership with God, embodying a positive and divine aspect of influence and control.
Procreation as Divine Partnership and Conquest
The idea that procreation is more than simply a biological act but also a form of "creation" in its own right finds support in Masechet Niddah, which teaches that there are three partners in the creation of an offspring: God, the father, and the mother. Procreation is thus a unique opportunity for human beings to become partners with the Divine in bringing new life into existence. In this way, the act of having children can be seen as a reflection of the original act of creation, where human beings emulate God's creative power.
In this creative process, there is an element of "conquest"—an expansion of influence and presence in the world. By bringing a new neshama (soul) into the world, parents contribute to the expansion of life and meaning, and this expansion is akin to "conquering" the untamed potential of existence. It is about extending oneself and shaping the future, imbuing it with values and purpose. This interpretation provides a novel way of understanding why the mitzvah of pru urvu and the idea of conquest are connected: by creating life, we fulfill our mission to shape and transform the world, exercising influence that transcends the individual and enters into the communal and cosmic realm.
"Imitatio Dei": Creation and Conquest
The concept of "imitatio Dei"—imitating God—is central to Jewish thought, often manifesting in emulating God's attributes of kindness and compassion. For instance, we are taught, "Just as He is compassionate, so too you should be compassionate" (מה הוא רחום, אף אתה רחום). However, in the case of pru urvu, the commandment can be understood as emulating a different aspect of God: the attribute of Din, which relates to justice, discipline, and control. In this context, "conquering" represents a form of mastery and influence, reflecting God's role as Creator who establishes order and control over chaos.
Procreation, therefore, involves more than the mere propagation of human beings; it is an opportunity to participate in God's creative work and to expand our presence in the world in a meaningful way. It is a form of "imitatio Dei" that emphasizes creation, structure, and responsibility—attributes associated with the masculine, outward-focused expression of mastery. By creating and raising children, humans take on a divine-like role in transforming potential into reality and in building a legacy that shapes the world.
The Male Obligation and the Attribute of Conquest
The obligation of pru urvu falls primarily on men, a distinction that aligns with the traditional association between masculinity and conquest. This raises the question: why is such an inherently collaborative mitzvah, one that clearly involves both parents, formally obligated only for men? In the ancient world, men were seen as the primary actors in activities of exploration, land development, and territorial defense—all of which could be understood as forms of "conquering." The mitzvah of pru urvu, therefore, reflects a mission that is associated with this outward-directed engagement with the world. Men, through the act of procreation, are seen as taking a leading role in expanding the human presence and exercising influence on both a physical and spiritual level.
Conquering can also be understood as overcoming challenges and limitations, which is a core part of the mission of building families and shaping the next generation. The obligation of pru urvu is, therefore, not just about contributing biologically but also about taking on the role of actively shaping the world and extending one's influence into the future. The connection to conquest emphasizes that procreation is about more than survival—it is about asserting human purpose and bringing divine values into the world.
The act of conquest can sometimes be seen negatively, as an imposition or forceful act. However, within the context of the Torah's commandment, the concept of "conquering" is transformed into something positive. It is about taking responsibility, establishing control in a way that brings order, and expanding divine influence. This is not about domination for its own sake but about exercising God-like rulership, where control is applied to uplift, shape, and sustain the world in a positive manner.
Complementary Roles of Men and Women
Although men are formally obligated in the mitzvah of pru urvu, it is clear that women are indispensable partners in this process. Without women, the act of creation would be impossible. Women provide not only the physical nurturing necessary to bring a child into the world but also contribute to the spiritual and emotional aspects of raising children. In this sense, the roles of men and women are complementary: men are tasked with the aspect of expansion, creation, and "conquest," while women bring the nurturing, sustaining presence that ensures that new life is cared for and that divine influence is fully realized.
The partnership between men and women mirrors the partnership between God and humanity. Just as God contributes the neshama to the new being, men and women each bring their unique strengths to the process of creation. The male role may be more aligned with the outward expression of conquest, while the female role embodies the inner, nurturing force of Chesed (kindness). Together, they fulfill the divine mission of transforming the world, building a legacy, and bringing God's presence into all aspects of human life.
Conclusion
The connection between pru urvu and the concept of conquest is deeply intertwined with humanity's role as a partner with God in creation. By commanding us to be fruitful and multiply, the Torah invites us to participate in the Divine creative process, expanding our influence and exercising mastery over the potential of the world. The male obligation in this mitzvah reflects an aspect of control and expansion—bringing order to chaos and shaping the future. At the same time, the role of women is equally vital, emphasizing the nurturing and sustaining aspects of creation, which together bring balance and purpose to the world.
Ultimately, the mitzvah of pru urvu is about more than simply having children—it is about transforming the world, extending divine influence, and fulfilling the sacred mission of "imitatio Dei" in all its facets, from kindness to creativity and from compassion to mastery. It is a mitzvah that captures the essence of what it means to be human: to create, to shape, to conquer the challenges of life, and to do so while being in partnership with God, exercising rulership in a manner that reflects His positive and purposeful control over creation.
For further insight, you can explore two discussions that elaborate on this core idea: the original conversation and a developed version.