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Would not the scriptural term “replenish” mean to re-populate the earth?

Gramps,
Adam and Eve were commanded to multiply and replenish the earth. It seems obvious to me that “multiply” refers to having offspring. What exactly does “replenishing the earth” refer to? Since the earth was new and not inhabited by man other than Adam and Eve, replenishing with people would not make sense as the earth had not been previously populated with mankind.
Barry, from Idaho Falls, Idaho

Dear Barry,
I think that a glance at a dictionary would clear up your dilemma. You are apparently thinking that the re in replenish means to plenish again. However plenish and replenish are two different words with different meanings. The word plenish, a little used British term, means to equip. The word replenish does not mean to re-equip, but rather to fill with persons or animals, or to stock. A second definition is to fill or build up again. The scriptural use of the term naturally relates to the first, not to the second, definition of replenish.
Gramps

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Would not the scriptural term “replenish” mean to re-populate the earth?

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