Genesis 8:8

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then he sent out a dove, to see if the water had gone from the surface of the ground.

Berean Standard Bible:

Then Noah sent out a dove to see if the waters had receded from the surface of the ground.

American Standard Version:

And he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Also he sent forth^{H7971} a dove^{H3123} from him, to see^{H7200} if the waters^{H4325} were abated^{H7043} from off the face^{H6440} of the ground^{H127};

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 8:8

1. **Themes:**
- **Divine Providence:** The story of Noah and the Ark illustrates God's oversight and care for His creation, even amidst judgment.
- **Hope and Renewal:** The release of the dove symbolizes the search for signs of renewal and the possibility of a fresh start after the devastation of the flood.
- **Obedience and Faith:** Noah's actions demonstrate his obedience to God's commands and his faith in God's promise to restore the earth.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **The Flood Narrative:** Genesis 8:8 is part of the account of the Great Flood, a narrative found in many ancient cultures, which in the biblical context serves as a story of divine judgment on humanity's wickedness and the salvation of the righteous Noah and his family.
- **Noah's Ark:** The Ark is central to the narrative, serving as a vessel of salvation for Noah's family and representatives of all animal species.
- **Post-Diluvian World:** The verse reflects the period after the floodwaters had been prevailing on the earth for 150 days, and Noah is seeking evidence that the waters have receded enough for life to begin anew on dry land.

In summary, Genesis 8:8 captures a moment of anticipation within the broader narrative of the flood, highlighting themes of divine oversight, hope for restoration, and the importance of faithfully following divine guidance. This verse is set within the context of a new beginning for humanity and the earth, as Noah awaits God's signal that the flood's destruction has ended and life can start over.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7971
   There are 790 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁלַח
   Transliteration: shâlach
   Pronunciation: shaw-lakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications); [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out).
   
2. Strong's Number: H3123
   There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יוֹנָה
   Transliteration: yôwnâh
   Pronunciation: yo-naw'
   Description: probably from the same as יַיִן; a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating); dove, pigeon.
   
3. Strong's Number: H7200
   There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָאָה
   Transliteration: râʼâh
   Pronunciation: raw-aw'
   Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions.
   
4. Strong's Number: H4325
   There are 525 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַיִם
   Transliteration: mayim
   Pronunciation: mah'-yim
   Description: dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen; [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)).
   
5. Strong's Number: H7043
   There are 79 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָלַל
   Transliteration: qâlal
   Pronunciation: kaw-lal'
   Description: a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.); abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet.
   
6. Strong's Number: H6440
   There are 1890 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּנִים
   Transliteration: pânîym
   Pronunciation: paw-neem'
   Description: plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from פָּנָה); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.); [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you.
   
7. Strong's Number: H127
   There are 372 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֲדָמָה
   Transliteration: ʼădâmâh
   Pronunciation: ad-aw-maw'
   Description: from אָדַם; soil (from its general redness); country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land.