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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 6:13–21. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here it appears indeed that Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. God's favour to him was plainly intimated in what he said of him, Gen 6:8-10, where his name is mentioned five times in five lines, when once might have served to make the sense clear, as if the Holy Ghost took a pleasure in perpetuating his memory; but it appears much more in what he says to him in these verses - the informations and instructions here given him.
I.God here makes Noah the man of his counsel, communicating to him his purpose to destroy this wicked world by water.
As, afterwards, he told Abraham his resolution concerning Sodom (Gen 18:17, Shall I hide from Abraham?) so here "Shall I hide from Noah the thing that I do, seeing that he shall become a great nation?" Note, The secret of the Lord is with those that fear him (Psa 25:14); it was with his servants the prophets (Amo 3:7), by a spirit of revelation, informing them particularly of his purposes; it is with all believers by a spirit of wisdom and faith, enabling them to understand and apply the general declarations of the written word, and the warnings there given. Now,
1.God told Noah, in general, that he would destroy the world (Gen 6:13): The end of all flesh has come before me; I will destroy them; that is, the ruin of this wicked world is decreed and determined; it has come, that is, it will come surely, and come quickly. Noah, it is likely, in preaching to his neighbours, had warned them, in general, of the wrath of God that they would bring upon themselves by their wickedness, and now God seconds his endeavours by a particular denunciation of wrath, that Noah might try whether this would work upon them. Hence observe,
(1.)That God confirmeth the words of his messengers, Isa 44:26.
(2.)That to him that has, and uses what he has for the good of others, more shall be given, more full instructions.
2.He told him, particularly, that he would destroy the world by a flood of waters: And behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, Gen 6:17. God could have destroyed all mankind by the sword of an angel, a flaming sword turning every way, as he destroyed all the first-born of the Egyptians and the camp of the Assyrians; and then there needed no more than to set a mark upon Noah and his family for their preservation. But God chose to do it by a flood of waters, which should drown the world. The reasons, we may be sure, were wise and just, though to us unknown. God has many arrows in his quiver, and he may use which he please: as he chooses the rod with which he will correct his children, so he chooses the sword with which he will cut off his enemies. Observe the manner of expression: "I, even I, do bring a flood; I that am infinite in power, and therefore can do it, infinite in justice, and therefore will do it." (1.) It intimates the certainty of the judgment: I, even I, will do it. That cannot but be done effectually which God himself undertakes the doing of. See Job 11:10. (2.) It intimates the tendency of it to God's glory and the honour of his justice. Thus he will be magnified and exalted in the earth, and all the world shall be made to know that he is the God to whom vengeance belongs; methinks the expression here is somewhat like that, Isa 1:24, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries.
II.God here makes Noah the man of his covenant, another Hebrew periphrasis of a friend (Gen 6:18): But with thee will I establish my covenant.
1.The covenant of providence, that the course of nature shall be continued to the end of time, notwithstanding the interruption which the flood would give to it. This promise was immediately made to Noah and his sons, Gen 9:8, etc. They were as trustees for all this part of the creation, and a great honour was thereby put upon him and his.
2.The covenant of grace, that God would be to him a God and that out of his seed God would take to himself a people. Note,
(1.)When God makes a covenant, he establishes it, he makes it sure, he makes it good; his are everlasting covenants.
(2.)The covenant of grace has in it the recompence of singular services, and the fountain and foundation of all distinguishing favours; we need desire no more, either to make up our losses for God or to make up a happiness for us in God, than to have his covenant established with us.
III.God here makes Noah a monument of sparing mercy, by putting him in a way to secure himself in the approaching deluge, that he might not perish with the rest of the world: I will destroy them, says God, with the earth, Gen 6:13. "But make thee an ark; I will take care to preserve thee alive." Note, Singular piety shall be recompensed with distinguishing salvations, which are in a special manner obliging. This will add much to the honour and happiness of glorified saints, that they shall be saved when the greatest part of the world is left to perish. Now,
1.God directs Noah to make an ark, Gen 6:14-15. This ark was like the hulk of a ship, fitted not to sail upon the waters (there was no occasion for that, when there should be no shore to sail to), but to float upon the waters, waiting for their fall. God could have secured Noah by the ministration of angels, without putting him to any care, or pains, or trouble, himself; but he chose to employ him in making that which was to be the means of his preservation, both for the trial of his faith and obedience and to teach us that none shall be saved by Christ but those only that work out their salvation. We cannot do it without God, and he will not without us. Both the providence of God, and the grace of God, own and crown the endeavours of the obedient and diligent. God gave him very particular instructions concerning this building, which could not but be admirably well fitted for the purpose when Infinite Wisdom itself was the architect.
(1.)It must be made of gopher-wood. Noah, doubtless, knew what sort of wood that was, though we now do not, whether cedar, or cypress, or what other.
(2.)He must make it three stories high within.
(3.)He must divide it into cabins, with partitions, places fitted for the several sorts of creatures, so as to lose no room.
(4.)Exact dimensions were given him, that he might make it proportionable, and might have room enough in it to answer the intention and no more. Note, Those that work for God must take their measures from him and carefully observe them. Note, further, It is fit that he who appoints us our habitation should fix the bounds and limits of it.
(5.)He must pitch it within and without - without, to shed off the rain, and to prevent the water from soaking in - within, to take away the bad smell of the beasts when kept close. Observe, God does not bid him paint it, but pitch it. If God gives us habitations that are safe, and warm, and wholesome, we are bound to be thankful, though they are not magnificent or nice.
(6.)He must make a little window towards the top, to let in light, and (some think) that through that window he might behold the desolations to be made in the earth.
(7.)He must make a door in the side of it, by which to go in and out.
2.God promises Noah that he and his shall be preserved alive in the ark (Gen 6:18): Thou shalt come into the ark. Note, What we do in obedience to God, we ourselves are likely to have the comfort and benefit of. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself. Nor was he himself only saved in the ark, but his wife, and his sons, and his sons' wives. Observe,
(1.)The care of good parents; they are solicitous not only for their own salvation, but for the salvation of their families, and especially their children.
(2.)The happiness of those children that have godly parents. Their parents' piety often procures them temporal salvation, as here; and it furthers them in the way to eternal salvation, if they improve the benefit of it.
IV.God here makes Noah a great blessing to the world, and herein makes him an eminent type of the Messiah, though not the Messiah himself, as his parents expected, Gen 5:29.
1.God made him a preacher to the men of that generation. As a watchman, he received the word from God's mouth, that he might give them warning, Eze 3:17. Thus, while the long-suffering of God waited, by his Spirit in Noah, he preached to the old world, who, when Peter wrote, were spirits in prison (Pe1 3:18-20), and herein he was a type of Christ, who, in a land and age wherein all flesh had corrupted their way, went about preaching repentance and warning men of a deluge of wrath coming.
2.God made him a saviour to the inferior creatures, to keep the several kinds of them from perishing and being lost in the deluge, Gen 6:19-21. This was a great honour put upon him, that not only in him the race of mankind should be kept up, and that from him should proceed a new world, the church, the soul of the world, and Messiah, the head of that church, but that he should be instrumental to preserve the inferior creatures, and so mankind should in him acquire a new title to them and their service.
(1.)He was to provide shelter for them, that they might not be drowned. Two of every sort, male and female, he must take with him into the ark; and lest he should make any difficulty of gathering them together, and getting them in, God promises (Gen 6:20) that they shall of their own accord come to him. He that makes the ox to know his owner and his crib then made him know his preserver and his ark.
(2.)He was to provide sustenance for them, that they might not be starved, Gen 6:21. He must victual his ship according to the number of his crew, that great family which he had now the charge of, and according to the time appointed for his confinement. Herein also he was a type of Christ, to whom it is owing that the world stands, by whom all things consist, and who preserves mankind from being totally cut off and ruined by sin; in him the holy seed is saved alive, and the creation rescued from the vanity under which it groans. Noah saved those whom he was to rule, so does Christ, Heb 5:9.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. The length of the ark signifies the long-suffering patience by which adversities are bravely endured; the width signifies the breadth of charity, which embraces even those who inflict adversities; the height signifies the sublimity of hope, by which the eternal reward in heaven is insinuated. Hence the length of the ark is commanded to be three hundred cubits, as this number, as we have previously noted, is represented by the letter T in Greek. This letter is written in the shape of a cross, because the holy Church, while remaining invincible and steadfast amid adversities, follows the footsteps of the Lord’s passion, remembering His word where He said: And he who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me (Matthew 10:38). The width extends to fifty cubits, in which number the Holy Spirit is sent, and under the law universal rest and remission are bestowed upon God’s people because the love of God is poured into our hearts, not by the merit of our actions but by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. And this is rest and remission of our debts, when we love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our strength, and our neighbor in God as ourselves, and our adversary for the sake of God. The height is thirty cubits, because this is the only and unique hope of the elect, that through the observation of the Decalogue, which is perfected in the love of God and neighbor, they ascend to the contemplation of the Holy Trinity. For three times ten makes thirty.
There is, however, another memorable mystery in the shape of the ark, which is found to be formed according to the measure of the human body. For the length of the human body from the top of the head to the feet is six times the height from one side to the other, and ten times the height measured from the back to the abdomen, as if you measure a lying man supine or prone; the length from head to feet is six times as long as the width from right to left or left to right, and ten times as high from the ground. Therefore, the ark was made three hundred cubits in length, fifty in width, and thirty in height; and because the Apostle says of the Church that it is one body and one spirit in Christ, rightly the ark, which bore the figure of this, was formed in the likeness of the human body, because Christ Himself, God, and our Lord willed to be incarnated for us and to wash us from sins and consecrate us through the sacraments of His humanity. Rightly, He commanded that the ark, in which He decreed to save the remnants of the human race while the wicked perished, be made in the manner of the human body, just as the temple which Solomon made for the Lord not only prefigured His Church, but also His flesh itself, which He took from the Virgin, as He Himself testified when He said to the Jews, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The evangelist said this, meaning the temple of His body (John 2:19). Thus also, the ark, which Noah made in the form of the human body, held our type, of whom the Apostle said, “Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood” (Ephesians 4:13); and of the Lord Himself, who deigned to gather us into the unity of faith through the mystery of His Incarnation and to cleanse us from sins by the grace of the Holy Spirit, which the dove bringing the olive branch to the ark symbolized, and to save us from the destruction of the perishing world.
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Summary
Unveils God's meticulous architectural blueprint for Noah's Ark, providing the exact length, breadth, and height specifications. This divine command underscores God's absolute sovereignty and detailed foresight in orchestrating salvation amidst impending global judgment, highlighting both the immense scale of the task and the exacting nature of Noah's required obedience as a testament of his faith.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of God's profound grief over humanity's pervasive wickedness, leading to His decision to bring a global flood upon the earth, as vividly depicted in Genesis 6:5-7. Amidst this impending judgment, Noah alone is singled out as one who "found grace in the eyes of the Lord" (Genesis 6:8), setting the stage for God's specific and detailed instructions for building a vessel of salvation. The preceding verse, Genesis 6:14, introduces the command to construct the Ark from gopher wood with various compartments and to pitch it inside and out, establishing the material and general structure before Genesis 6:15 provides the critical dimensions. The verses immediately following detail further instructions regarding the Ark's occupants and the covenant God would establish with Noah, emphasizing the Ark's role as the central instrument of divine preservation.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, flood narratives were not uncommon, but the biblical account of Noah's Ark stands apart due to its monotheistic framework and the moral justification for the flood. While other cultures might attribute floods to capricious deities, the Genesis account firmly links the cataclysm to humanity's pervasive sin and God's righteous judgment. The concept of a "cubit" (H520 'ammâh') was a standard unit of measurement in antiquity, based on the human forearm, though its precise length could vary slightly by region and period. The construction of a vessel of such immense size, using only ancient technologies, would have been an unprecedented and monumental undertaking, requiring extraordinary faith and labor. This context highlights the unique nature of God's direct intervention and detailed provision, contrasting with human engineering capabilities of the time and underscoring the miraculous element of the Ark's construction and purpose.
Key Themes
Genesis 6:15 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Meticulous Planning, demonstrating that God's actions are not arbitrary but are executed with precise design and purpose, even in judgment and salvation. Secondly, it highlights God's Judgment and Provision, showcasing the severity of divine wrath against sin while simultaneously revealing God's merciful provision for a righteous remnant. Thirdly, the verse implicitly emphasizes Obedience as an Act of Faith, as Noah's faithful adherence to these demanding and seemingly impossible instructions serves as a powerful example of trust in God's word, a theme later echoed in Hebrews 11:7. Finally, the Ark itself becomes a powerful symbol of Preservation and New Beginnings, preserving life through a cataclysm to initiate a new chapter for humanity and creation, foreshadowing later acts of divine salvation and new creation, such as those found in Isaiah 65:17 and Revelation 21:1.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
(H6213) This primitive root signifies "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In Genesis 6:15, it emphasizes that Noah was not merely to design or conceive the Ark, but actively to fashion and construct it according to God's precise instructions. It implies the execution of a divine blueprint, highlighting Noah's role as a faithful executor of God's will rather than an independent innovator.
(H8392) This word, perhaps of foreign derivation, specifically means "a box" or "ark." It is used only two times in the Old Testament: for Noah's Ark and for the basket in which baby Moses was placed (Exodus 2:3). This unique term distinguishes it from typical boats or ships, suggesting a vessel designed for floating and preserving, rather than for navigation or speed. Its box-like nature, emphasized by the dimensions, points to its function as a secure, self-contained refuge.
(H520) This term refers to a unit of measure, specifically the fore-arm (below the elbow). It represents a standard length used in ancient construction and measurement. The repetition of "cubits" after each dimension (length, breadth, height) underscores the precise, quantitative nature of God's instructions, emphasizing that the Ark's size was not approximate but meticulously defined by divine command.
Verse Breakdown
"And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of"
This opening clause establishes the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of the Ark's design. Noah was not to use his own engineering judgment or traditional boat-building techniques, but was to meticulously follow a divinely revealed blueprint. The phrase "fashion which thou shalt make it of" (literally, "this is what you shall make it") emphasizes the specific and detailed instructions that follow, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous planning in His acts of both judgment and salvation.
"The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits"
This specifies the primary dimension, indicating an enormous vessel. Given that an ancient cubit is estimated between 18 and 22 inches (approx. 45-55 cm), 300 cubits would translate to approximately 450-550 feet (137-168 meters). This colossal length was essential for the Ark's purpose: to preserve a remnant of humanity and all land-dwelling animal life through a global cataclysm, demonstrating the immense scale of God's provision.
"the breadth of it fifty cubits"
This dimension, approximately 75-92 feet (23-28 meters), defines the Ark's width. The ratio of length to breadth (300:50 or 6:1) is remarkably stable for a large vessel designed for stability rather than speed, a fact recognized by modern naval architects. This ratio, divinely ordained, ensured the Ark's structural integrity and ability to withstand the tumultuous waters of the flood.
"and the height of it thirty cubits"
This final dimension, roughly 45-55 feet (14-17 meters), specifies the Ark's depth or height. The ratio of length to height (300:30 or 10:1) further contributes to the Ark's stability and capacity. The considerable height would have allowed for multiple decks, maximizing internal volume for living creatures, provisions, and the necessary ventilation, further emphasizing God's foresight in designing a vessel perfectly suited for its unique, life-preserving mission.
Literary Devices
Genesis 6:15 primarily employs Divine Command and Precision/Detail as its key literary devices. The direct address "thou shalt make it" followed by exact numerical specifications highlights God's authoritative instruction and His meticulous involvement in the plan of salvation. The repetition of "cubits" after each dimension reinforces the Precision/Detail of the divine blueprint, emphasizing that the Ark was not a human invention but a divinely engineered vessel. Furthermore, the Ark itself functions as powerful Symbolism. It is not merely a large boat, but a tangible symbol of God's judgment against sin and His gracious provision for life. Its immense scale symbolizes the severity of the coming judgment and the extraordinary nature of God's provision, while its box-like structure, designed for floating and preservation, foreshadows the concept of salvation and refuge.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 6:15 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous planning, revealing that His actions, even in judgment, are executed with precise design and purpose. The detailed specifications for the Ark underscore that God's provision for salvation is not arbitrary but perfectly tailored to meet the needs of a fallen world. This divine blueprint serves as a powerful testament to God's foresight and His faithfulness to preserve a remnant, even amidst widespread corruption and impending destruction. It challenges the notion of a distant or disengaged deity, presenting instead a God intimately involved in the mechanics of His redemptive plan, ensuring its success through divine wisdom and power.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 6:15 serves as a profound reminder that God's plans are often meticulously detailed and require our diligent attention and unwavering obedience, even when they seem extraordinary, demand immense effort, or appear counter-intuitive to human wisdom. This passage encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in His divine wisdom and provision, knowing that His designs, though sometimes beyond our full comprehension, are always perfectly suited to accomplish His sovereign purposes for our ultimate good and His glory. Just as Noah faithfully constructed an ark for physical salvation, we are called to build lives of spiritual obedience, trusting that God's specific instructions, revealed in His Word, are the blueprint for our flourishing and for navigating the challenges of life. Our faithfulness in the small, precise details often prepares us for God's larger, transformative works.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is a cubit, and how large was the Ark based on these dimensions?
A cubit (H520 'ammâh') is an ancient unit of measurement, typically defined as the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact length could vary slightly, it is generally estimated to be between 18 and 22 inches (approximately 45-55 cm). Based on these dimensions, the Ark would have been an enormous vessel: approximately 450-550 feet (137-168 meters) long, 75-92 feet (23-28 meters) wide, and 45-55 feet (14-17 meters) high. This makes it comparable in size to many modern cargo ships, demonstrating its immense capacity.
Why were such precise dimensions given for the Ark, rather than a general instruction?
The precise dimensions (H753 'ôrek', _H7341 _rôchab'__, _H6967 _qôwmâh'__) were divinely given to ensure the Ark's structural integrity, stability, and sufficient capacity to hold all the animals and provisions necessary to survive the global flood. This level of detail demonstrates God's meticulous planning and foresight, ensuring the vessel was perfectly suited for its unique, life-preserving mission. It also emphasizes that the Ark was a divine design, not a human invention, requiring Noah's exact obedience.
Was the Ark truly capable of surviving a global flood with these dimensions?
Yes. Modern naval architects and engineers have studied the Ark's dimensions (a length-to-breadth ratio of 6:1 and a length-to-height ratio of 10:1) and affirmed that these ratios are remarkably stable for a large, box-like vessel designed for buoyancy and stability rather than speed. Such a vessel would have been highly resistant to capsizing and could have effectively ridden out severe storms, confirming God's perfect design for its purpose of preserving life through a global cataclysm.
What does this verse teach us about Noah's faith and obedience?
This verse highlights Noah's extraordinary faith (H6213 'âsâh'), as he undertook this colossal and unprecedented construction project based solely on God's detailed instructions. His willingness to build a vessel of such immense scale for an event (a global flood) that had never occurred before demonstrates complete trust and unwavering obedience to the divine command, even when it seemed illogical or impossible by human standards. Hebrews 11:7 explicitly commends Noah's faith in preparing the Ark.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The Ark, meticulously designed and built according to God's precise specifications in Genesis 6:15, stands as a profound type of Christ. Just as the Ark was the sole means of salvation and refuge from the overwhelming judgment of the flood, so too is Jesus Christ the only way to salvation from God's righteous wrath against sin. He is our ultimate refuge and provision, meticulously prepared by God the Father to preserve all who enter into Him by faith. Through Christ, we are brought safely through the waters of judgment, not by physical means, but by spiritual rebirth, echoing the new beginning for creation after the flood. As 1 Peter 3:20-21 suggests, the Ark prefigures baptism, which symbolizes our union with Christ in His death and resurrection, leading to a new life. Just as Noah and his family were "in the ark" for salvation, believers are "in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:17) for their eternal security and new spiritual existence, demonstrating God's perfect plan of redemption through His Son.