The command "Be fruitful and multiply" by itself does not set a strict numerical limit; rather, it primarily serves as an expression of God’s blessing and commission, through which mankind was granted authority over the earth.

The Command to Multiply: A Blessing Beyond Numbers

The command "Be fruitful and multiply" by itself does not set a strict numerical limit; rather, it primarily serves as an expression of God’s blessing and commission, through which mankind was granted authority over the earth. One source ( link txt) states:
"Furthermore, so that we may fully understand why God pronounced this command with such precision—to curb, that is, the human tendency toward murder—He says: 'Be fruitful and multiply, and spread out upon the earth, and multiply on it'... whereas humans often act differently. People want their commands to be executed in advance..."

Here, the focus is not on a quantitative restriction but on the idea that through multiplication, man gains dominion over the earth and fulfills his destiny, analogous to the manifestation of grace preceding the establishment of the law.

Another source ( link txt) emphasizes that the phrase "be fruitful and multiply" should not be interpreted as an order with a strictly defined limit, but rather as a gift and blessing from God: "But perhaps some might ask: then what of the male and the female?

Why does it say, 'be fruitful and multiply'? Our answer to this is: ... it is evident that these words express not an order, but God's blessing."

Thus, this command appears as an invitation to the multiplication of the human race and the extension of influence, not as the setting of a specific numerical boundary. It is also noted that although modern realities (such as overpopulation issues) may raise concerns—similar to the criticism of the Demon, who, as mentioned in the source ( link txt), instills a fear of overpopulation—this reflects more on mankind’s difficulties in managing earthly resources rather than a true divine directive concerning the number of descendants.

In summary, it can be said that the command does not prescribe a limit; it encourages blessed multiplication, which should be seen as both a gift and a responsibility, not as an unconditional quantitative measure.

Supporting citation(s):
"Furthermore, so that we may fully understand why God pronounced this command ... People want their commands to be executed in advance..." (source: link txt)
"Our answer to this is: the words 'be fruitful and multiply' ... clearly express not an order, but God's blessing." (source: link txt)
"God blessed and commanded us: Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth ... And just as the devil cunningly sows the idea of overpopulation, instilling a fear that the earth is overpopulated..." (source: link txt)