Genesis 7:11

KJV

¶ In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

KJV (with Strong's)

In {H8141} the six {H8337} hundredth {H3967} year {H8141} of Noah's {H5146} life {H2416}, in the second {H8145} month {H2320}, the seventeenth {H7651}{H6240} day {H3117} of the month {H2320}, the same {H2088} day {H3117} were all the fountains {H4599} of the great {H7227} deep {H8415} broken up {H1234}, and the windows {H699} of heaven {H8064} were opened {H6605}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the seventeenth day of the second month of the 600th year of Noach’s life all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of the sky were opened.

Berean Standard Bible

In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened.

American Standard Version

In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 7:11 precisely records the cataclysmic commencement of the Great Flood, a pivotal event in biblical history that dramatically illustrates God's meticulous timing, sovereign power, and righteous judgment against a world steeped in pervasive wickedness. This verse marks the precise moment when both the subterranean waters of the earth and the torrential downpour from the heavens combined in an unprecedented deluge, fulfilling God's declared purpose to cleanse and renew the earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic fulfillment of God's prior pronouncements regarding the flood. It immediately follows the detailed account of Noah's obedience in gathering the animals and entering the ark, as commanded by God in [Genesis 6:18-21](/genesis/6-18-21 "God's covenant and instructions to Noah") and reiterated in [Genesis 7:1-5](/genesis/7-1-5 "God's command for Noah to enter the ark"). The narrative meticulously builds tension, detailing the preparations and the seven-day waiting period (cf. [Genesis 7:4](/genesis/7-4 "God's warning of the flood's onset")), before culminating in the exact moment the floodwaters began. Genesis 7:11 thus transitions the narrative from preparation and anticipation to the direct execution of divine judgment, setting the stage for the forty days and nights of rain described in [Genesis 7:12](/genesis/7-12 "The duration of the rain").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a great flood is not unique to the biblical narrative, with similar accounts found in ancient Near Eastern literature, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Atrahasis Epic. However, the Genesis account stands apart due to its monotheistic framework, moral imperative, and precise chronological details. Unlike the capricious deities of other myths, the God of Israel acts with deliberate purpose, justice, and forewarning. The meticulous dating—"In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month"—reflects ancient Near Eastern scribal practices of precise record-keeping for significant historical and theological events, underscoring the historicity and divine orchestration of the event within the biblical worldview. This precision contrasts sharply with the often vague or mythical chronologies of pagan flood narratives.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 7:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **divine judgment** against human wickedness, particularly the pervasive corruption and violence described in [Genesis 6:5-7](/genesis/6-5-7 "God's grief over human wickedness"). Simultaneously, it underscores God's **sovereignty and meticulous control** over creation and history, demonstrating that the flood was not a random natural disaster but a divinely orchestrated act. The verse also implicitly reinforces the theme of **Noah's righteousness and obedience**, as his faithfulness (cf. [Genesis 6:8-9](/genesis/6-8-9 "Noah finding grace in the eyes of the Lord")) positioned him and his family for salvation amidst this universal judgment. Furthermore, the description of waters erupting from below and pouring from above subtly introduces the theme of **cosmic reversal**, hinting at a temporary undoing of the orderly creation established in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "The Creation Account").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 7:11 vividly describes the dual source of the floodwaters, emphasizing the unprecedented and comprehensive nature of the deluge. The precise dating underscores God's meticulous control and the deliberate execution of His judgment.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **broken up (Hebrew, _bâqaʻ'_):** From H1234, a primitive root meaning "to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open." This word conveys a violent, forceful rupture, suggesting that the "fountains of the great deep" did not merely leak or flow, but burst forth with immense power, indicating a cataclysmic geological upheaval.
* **deep (Hebrew, _tᵉhôwm'_):** From H8415, referring to "an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)." This term evokes the primordial, unformed waters mentioned in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "The Spirit hovering over the deep"), implying a return to a chaotic, water-dominated state, signifying the vastness and overwhelming nature of the subterranean water sources.
* **opened (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** From H6605, a primitive root meaning "to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin." This word describes the action of the "windows of heaven," suggesting a deliberate, forceful unleashing of celestial waters, as if floodgates were thrown open, rather than mere rainfall. It points to divine agency in initiating the deluge from above.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day":** This highly specific chronological marker emphasizes the divine precision and intentionality behind the flood. It demonstrates that the flood was not a random or accidental event but a divinely appointed and meticulously timed act of judgment. This exact date also highlights the long period of grace and warning that preceded this ultimate judgment, underscoring God's patience before His justice was fully executed.
* **"were all the fountains of the great deep broken up":** This clause describes the eruption of vast subterranean water sources. The phrase "fountains of the great deep" (Hebrew: *ma'yenot tehom rabbah*) refers to immense underground reservoirs, springs, or geological fissures that violently burst forth. The use of "broken up" (Hebrew: *bâqaʻ*) signifies a cataclysmic, forceful upheaval from beneath the earth's surface, indicating a massive geological event contributing to the inundation. This suggests that the flood was not solely precipitation but a comprehensive release of water from within the earth itself.
* **"and the windows of heaven were opened":** This clause describes the outpouring of water from the sky. The "windows of heaven" (Hebrew: *arubbot ha'shamayim*) is a vivid metaphorical expression for celestial floodgates being thrown open, signifying an immense, unprecedented, and sustained outpouring of water from above. This imagery conveys a deluge far beyond ordinary rainfall, emphasizing the supernatural and overwhelming nature of the downpour, complementing the waters erupting from below. Together, these two sources portray a comprehensive, global inundation from both above and below.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 7:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the magnitude and divine nature of the flood. **Merism** is prominently featured through the pairing of "fountains of the great deep" (representing subterranean waters) and "windows of heaven" (representing celestial waters). This literary technique combines two opposite or contrasting elements to signify totality, illustrating that the flood originated from every conceivable water source, both below and above the earth, underscoring its comprehensive and global scope. Furthermore, the phrases themselves utilize **hyperbole**, exaggerating the scale of the water sources ("great deep," "windows of heaven") to convey an event of unprecedented and overwhelming proportions, far beyond any natural occurrence. The active verbs "broken up" and "opened" imply **divine agency**, suggesting that God Himself, through His sovereign power, initiated these cataclysmic events, rather than them being mere natural phenomena. This imbues the description with a sense of **theophany**, where God's presence and power are manifested through the dramatic upheaval of creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 7:11 stands as a profound theological statement, primarily demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering justice. The precision of the dating and the dual sources of the water underscore that the flood was not an accident but a deliberate, divinely orchestrated act of judgment against a world consumed by sin. This event serves as a stark reminder of the gravity with which God views human wickedness and His holy intolerance for pervasive corruption. Yet, even in judgment, God's patience is evident in the long period of warning and Noah's opportunity to prepare, highlighting His desire for repentance before the full outpouring of His wrath. The cosmic upheaval also hints at God's power to "un-create" or reorder creation, emphasizing His ultimate authority over all things.

* [2 Peter 2:5](/2_peter/2-5 "God's judgment on the ungodly in the days of Noah")
* [Psalm 29:10](/psalms/29-10 "The Lord sits enthroned over the flood")
* [1 Peter 3:20](/1_peter/3-20 "God's patience in the days of Noah before the flood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 7:11 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of God's holiness and His ultimate authority over creation, teaching us that God takes sin seriously and will ultimately judge it. The account of the flood stands as a solemn warning for all generations to repent and turn to Him, for just as He brought the flood precisely as He said, He will also fulfill His promises of salvation and future judgment. The dual nature of the flood, from below and above, speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, leaving no corner untouched. Furthermore, Noah's story underscores that obedience to God is crucial for deliverance; his faith led him to prepare for what seemed impossible, and his obedience saved his household. This calls us to live in readiness and obedience, trusting God's warnings and His provision, for our ultimate security lies not in worldly preparations but in faithful adherence to His word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise dating of the flood in Genesis 7:11 challenge our understanding of God's timing and sovereignty in our own lives?**
* **What does the comprehensive nature of the flood (from "fountains of the great deep" and "windows of heaven") teach us about the seriousness of sin and the extent of God's judgment?**
* **In what ways can we, like Noah, demonstrate faith and obedience in preparing for God's future purposes, even when they seem unimaginable?**

### FAQ
**Why is the date of the flood's beginning so precisely stated?**

Answer: The precise dating ("In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month") emphasizes God's meticulous planning and sovereign control over all events. It demonstrates that the flood was not a random occurrence but a divinely appointed and executed judgment, highlighting God's faithfulness to His warnings and His perfect timing. This specificity also lends historical weight to the narrative, presenting it as a real, chronological event within biblical history.

**What are the "fountains of the great deep"?**

Answer: The "fountains of the great deep" (Hebrew: *ma'yenot tehom rabbah*) refers to vast subterranean reservoirs of water, possibly immense underground springs, aquifers, or geological fissures that erupted. This imagery suggests a cataclysmic upheaval from beneath the earth's surface, contributing significantly to the global inundation. It evokes the primordial waters mentioned in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "The Spirit hovering over the deep") before creation's order, implying a temporary reversal of that order.

**Did the "windows of heaven" literally open?**

Answer: The phrase "windows of heaven were opened" (Hebrew: *arubbot ha'shamayim niftachu*) is a vivid metaphorical expression signifying an immense, unprecedented outpouring of water from the sky. It suggests that the heavens themselves acted as floodgates, releasing torrential and continuous rain far beyond ordinary precipitation, emphasizing the supernatural and overwhelming nature of the deluge. While not literal windows, the imagery powerfully conveys the divine agency and the sheer volume of water involved in this cosmic event.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 7:11, marking the cataclysmic onset of a world-cleansing judgment, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate judgment and salvation found in Jesus Christ. Just as Noah and his family found salvation *through* the ark amidst the waters of judgment (cf. [1 Peter 3:20-21](/1_peter/3-20-21 "Baptism and salvation through Christ, foreshadowed by Noah's ark")), so too is salvation offered *through* Christ, who is our spiritual ark, bearing the judgment for sin on the cross. The flood's comprehensive nature, touching every part of the earth, points to the universality of sin (cf. [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God")) and the need for a complete and universal redemption, which Christ accomplished through His atoning sacrifice. Moreover, the flood's end and the new beginning it ushered in prefigure the new creation and eternal life offered through Christ's resurrection (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New creation in Christ")). Ultimately, the flood serves as a powerful type of God's future judgment, reminding us that while the next judgment will not be by water, it will be by fire (cf. [2 Peter 3:7](/2_peter/3-7 "The heavens and earth reserved for fire")), leading to the establishment of a new heavens and new earth for those found in Him (cf. [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "New heavens and new earth")).

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 8:2

The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained;

Malachi 3:10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].

Jeremiah 51:16

When he uttereth [his] voice, [there is] a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

Jeremiah 5:22

Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand [for] the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

Psalms 78:23

Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,

Psalms 78:24

And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.

Amos 9:5

And the Lord GOD of hosts [is] he that toucheth the land, and it shall melt, and all that dwell therein shall mourn: and it shall rise up wholly like a flood; and shall be drowned, as [by] the flood of Egypt.