Genesis 6:16

KJV

A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; [with] lower, second, and third [stories] shalt thou make it.

KJV (with Strong's)

A window {H6672} shalt thou make {H6213} to the ark {H8392}, and in a cubit {H520} shalt thou finish {H3615} it above {H4605}; and the door {H6607} of the ark {H8392} shalt thou set {H7760} in the side thereof {H6654}; with lower {H8482}, second {H8145}, and third {H7992} stories shalt thou make {H6213} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to make an opening for daylight in the ark eighteen inches below its roof. Put a door in its side; and build it with lower, second and third decks.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to make a roof for the ark, finish its walls a cubit from the top, place a door in the side of the ark, and build lower, middle, and upper decks.

American Standard Version

A light shalt thou make to the ark, and to a cubit shalt thou finish it upward; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 6:16 presents God's precise and non-negotiable architectural specifications for Noah's ark, detailing the construction of a unique light source, a singular point of entry, and a multi-tiered internal organization. These divine instructions underscore God's meticulous planning for the preservation of life amidst impending global judgment, demanding Noah's absolute and faithful obedience in every minute detail. The verse transforms the ark from a mere vessel into a divinely designed sanctuary, a profound testament to God's foresight, sovereign provision, and singular path to salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within God's direct communication to Noah, following the devastating declaration of His intention to cleanse the earth due to humanity's pervasive wickedness and violence. Having witnessed the profound corruption that grieved His heart [Genesis 6:5-7](/genesis/6-5-7 "God's Grief Over Human Wickedness"), God reveals His plan to bring a global flood [Genesis 6:17](/genesis/6-17 "God's Decision to Bring the Flood"). Prior to Genesis 6:16, God has already provided Noah with the ark's general dimensions, materials, and purpose [Genesis 6:14-15](/genesis/6-14-15 "God's Initial Instructions for the Ark"). Verse 16 then provides critical, specific details regarding the ark's light source, access point, and internal structure, all of which are essential for its function as a refuge and a vessel of preservation. These detailed commands highlight the specificity of God's redemptive plan and Noah's role in faithfully executing it.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, large-scale construction projects were often undertaken by powerful rulers or deities. However, the concept of building a massive, watertight vessel of these dimensions, far from any major body of water, would have been unprecedented and likely considered absurd by Noah's contemporaries. The pre-Flood world, characterized by widespread violence and moral decay, had likely lost any collective memory of a universal God or divine judgment, making Noah's task even more isolated and counter-cultural. The specific measurements and design elements, such as the cubit (an ancient unit of measure, typically the length of a forearm, roughly 18-22 inches), were practical for construction but also underscored the divine origin of the blueprint, as such a precise and unique design would not have been humanly conceived for this purpose. The very act of building the ark in such a context was a profound act of faith and a public testimony to the impending judgment.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 6:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Judgment and Justice**, as God's meticulous instructions for the ark are given in direct response to the earth's corruption, demonstrating that His judgment is not arbitrary but precise and purposeful. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Salvation**, showcasing God's mercy in providing a means of escape for Noah and his family even amidst widespread destruction. The ark itself becomes the central symbol of this provision. Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **Obedience and Faith**, as Noah's unwavering adherence to these detailed and challenging commands exemplifies what it means to "walk with God" [Genesis 6:9](/genesis/6-9 "Noah's Righteousness"). Finally, the specific architectural elements of the ark, particularly the singular door and light source, begin to introduce the theme of **Exclusivity of Salvation**, foreshadowing later biblical truths about God's singular path to redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The divine directive to Noah in Genesis 6:16 shifts from the general command to build an ark to specific, critical architectural features. Each element—the window, the door, and the multi-tiered stories—carries profound practical and symbolic weight, revealing God's meticulous design for salvation.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Window (Hebrew, _tsôhar'_):** (H6672) This is a unique term in the Old Testament, derived from a root meaning "to be bright" or "to shine." It suggests not a conventional paneled window but rather a light source or opening that allows light to enter, perhaps a continuous skylight or a single, large opening. The instruction to "finish it above" within a cubit implies it was positioned near the top of the ark, possibly running along the perimeter of the roof, providing diffused light and ventilation while intentionally limiting the occupants' view of the perishing world outside. This design emphasizes reliance on divine light and hope from above, rather than observation of earthly destruction.
* **Finish (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** (H3615) This primitive root means "to end," "to cease," "to be finished," or "to complete." In the context of the ark's window, it signifies the precise completion or termination of the opening within a cubit's height from the top. This word underscores the exactitude of God's architectural commands, indicating that Noah was not to approximate but to precisely complete this crucial feature according to divine specifications. It speaks to the divine expectation of thoroughness and exact execution.
* **Door (Hebrew, _pethach'_):** (H6607) Derived from a root meaning "to open," this word refers to an opening, entrance, or gate. The instruction for a single door, placed in the side of the ark, is profoundly significant. It was the sole point of entry and exit, controlled by God Himself, as later indicated when the Lord shut Noah in [Genesis 7:16](/genesis/7-16 "The Lord Shuts Noah In"). The singularity of the door speaks to the exclusivity of God's salvation plan, emphasizing that there was only one divinely appointed way to enter the ark and be saved from the flood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above;":** This clause details the construction of the ark's light source, the _tsôhar_. The instruction to "make" (Hebrew, `H6213, ʻâsâh`) it indicates an active, intentional construction. The phrase "in a cubit shalt thou finish it above" specifies its placement and dimensions – a continuous opening or skylight, approximately 18-22 inches high, located near the top of the ark. This design provided essential light and ventilation for the ark's inhabitants and cargo, while simultaneously preventing Noah and his family from gazing upon the destruction outside, thereby focusing their attention upward and inward, on God's provision and presence.
* **"and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof;":** This instruction specifies the placement of the ark's single point of access. The verb "set" (Hebrew, `H7760, sûwm`) implies a deliberate and fixed placement. The door's location "in the side" (Hebrew, `H6654, tsad`) rather than the top or bottom, suggests accessibility for loading and unloading, but its singularity is paramount. It symbolizes the exclusivity of God's salvation: only one entry point, controlled by God, for those chosen for deliverance. This detail highlights God's sovereignty over who enters and who remains outside His provision.
* **"[with] lower, second, and third [stories] shalt thou make it.":** This final clause outlines the ark's internal structure. The command to "make" (Hebrew, `H6213, ʻâsâh`) three distinct levels—lower (Hebrew, `H8482, tachtîy`), second (Hebrew, `H8145, shênîy`), and third (Hebrew, `H7992, shᵉlîyshîy`)—was a practical necessity for the ark's immense task. These stories provided organized space for Noah's family, the vast array of animals (likely in pairs or seven pairs for clean animals), and the substantial provisions required for over a year's sustenance. This detail underscores God's foresight and meticulous planning, ensuring that every need would be met for the preservation of life, reflecting divine order and comprehensive provision even in the midst of a cataclysmic judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 6:16 is rich in **Symbolism**. The ark itself functions as a symbol of salvation and refuge from divine judgment, a vessel of new creation. The **single door** powerfully symbolizes the exclusive nature of God's path to salvation, emphasizing that there is only one way to escape His wrath and enter into His provision. The unique **window (tsôhar)**, positioned "above" and likely providing light from a single, continuous opening, symbolizes divine illumination and reliance on God's light rather than human perception or external circumstances. The detailed **Divine Command/Instruction** throughout the verse highlights God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous planning, demonstrating that His will is precise and requires exact obedience. This verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as the ark's design and purpose anticipate later biblical themes of a singular path to redemption and Christ as the ultimate ark of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 6:16 is a profound theological statement on God's character and His interaction with humanity. It reveals a God who is both just in His judgment of sin and merciful in His provision for salvation. The meticulous details of the ark's construction underscore God's sovereignty and His precise, purposeful planning, demonstrating that His redemptive work is not haphazard but perfectly designed. Noah's obedient response to these unprecedented instructions serves as a foundational example of faith, where trust in God is demonstrated through diligent adherence to His commands, even when they defy human logic or experience. The ark's singular door and unique light source powerfully symbolize God's exclusive means of salvation, foreshadowing the singular path to redemption found in Christ.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "God's Detailed Instructions for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 11:7](/hebrews/11-7 "Noah's Faith and Obedience")
* [1 Peter 3:20-21](/1_peter/3-20-21 "Baptism as an Antitype of Noah's Ark")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 6:16 serves as a timeless reminder that God's plans are always perfect, comprehensive, and ultimately sufficient, even when they appear unconventional or demand immense faith and effort from us. Just as Noah was called to meticulously follow a divine blueprint for physical salvation, we are called to trust and obey God's specific instructions for spiritual life, often found in His Word. This verse challenges us to consider whether we are truly relying on God's "light" (His truth and guidance) as our primary source of direction, and whether we are entering through His appointed "door" (His exclusive means of salvation). In a world that offers countless distractions and alternative paths, Noah's story encourages us to fix our gaze on God's provision and remain steadfast in our obedience, trusting that His design for our lives is for our ultimate good and His glory, even when the path is narrow or the task seems overwhelming.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to trust God's "blueprint" even when it seems counter-intuitive or demands significant effort?**
* **How does the concept of a single "door" for salvation challenge or affirm your understanding of God's redemptive plan?**
* **What "windows" are you looking through for guidance and hope? Are they allowing in God's light, or are they distracting you with the perishing world?**
* **How does Noah's meticulous obedience inspire or convict you regarding your own walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "cubit" measurement for the window?**

Answer: The instruction "in a cubit shalt thou finish it above" for the `tsôhar` (window/skylight) indicates a precise vertical dimension for this opening. It likely refers to a continuous opening running along the top perimeter of the ark, approximately 18-22 inches high, near the roofline. This design would provide essential light and ventilation without allowing a direct, broad view of the destruction outside. The narrowness and high placement of this "window" emphasized that Noah and his family were to rely solely on God's provision and light, rather than being distracted or traumatized by the perishing world, focusing their hope upward.

**Why is there only one door specified for the ark?**

Answer: The single door is profoundly symbolic. It signifies that there was only one divinely appointed way of salvation from the flood, controlled entirely by God. Once Noah and the animals were inside, [the Lord Himself shut the door](/genesis/7-16 "The Lord Shuts Noah In"), sealing them in and preventing any further entry or exit. This foreshadows the biblical truth that there is only one way to salvation from sin and death, which is exclusively through Jesus Christ, as He declares, "[I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved](/john/10-9 "Jesus: 'I am the door'")".

**How could all the animals and provisions fit into the ark with only three stories?**

Answer: While the exact number of animals is debated (some suggest only "kinds" rather than every species), the ark's immense dimensions (approximately 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high) coupled with the three stories provided an enormous amount of usable space. Conservative estimates suggest the ark had a capacity equivalent to over 500 standard railroad stock cars. This vast volume, combined with efficient organization and God's miraculous oversight, ensured ample room for all necessary life forms, their food, and waste management for over a year. The multi-story design was crucial for maximizing internal space and organizing the diverse cargo.

**Did Noah fully understand the purpose of every detail God commanded?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state Noah's full intellectual comprehension of every detail's theological or symbolic significance. However, it emphasizes his unwavering obedience and faith. [Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Noah Did All That God Commanded") states, "Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so he did." Noah's faith was demonstrated not by his complete intellectual grasp of all the intricacies, but by his diligent, precise, and trusting execution of God's commands, believing that God's design was perfect for the task of preservation. His obedience was an act of profound trust in God's wisdom and power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ark, meticulously designed by God as the sole means of salvation from the flood, powerfully prefigures Jesus Christ as the singular and sufficient means of salvation from sin and divine judgment. Just as there was only one door into the ark, so too Jesus declares, "[I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved](/john/10-9 "Jesus: 'I am the door'")" and "[I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me](/john/14-6 "Jesus: 'I am the way, the truth, and the life'")". The ark's unique window, providing light from above, points to Christ as the true light that illuminates the path to God, as He is the "[light of the world](/john/8-12 "Jesus: 'I am the light of the world'")". Ultimately, the ark's role as a refuge, providing safety and life amidst widespread destruction, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is our spiritual ark of salvation, the one through whom we are delivered from the wrath to come and brought into new life. As the ark carried its inhabitants through judgment to a new beginning, so Christ carries His people through death to resurrection, establishing a new covenant and a new creation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 7:16

And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.

Genesis 8:6

¶ And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:

Ezekiel 41:16

The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the door, cieled with wood round about, and from the ground up to the windows, and the windows [were] covered;

2 Kings 9:30

¶ And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard [of it]; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.

2 Samuel 6:16

And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

Ezekiel 42:3

Over against the twenty [cubits] which [were] for the inner court, and over against the pavement which [was] for the utter court, [was] gallery against gallery in three [stories].

Luke 13:25

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: