Genesis 7:13

KJV

¶ In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark;

KJV (with Strong's)

In the selfsame {H6106} day {H3117} entered {H935} Noah {H5146}, and Shem {H8035}, and Ham {H2526}, and Japheth {H3315}, the sons {H1121} of Noah {H5146}, and Noah's {H5146} wife {H802}, and the three {H7969} wives {H802} of his sons {H1121} with them, into the ark {H8392};

Complete Jewish Bible

On that same day Noach entered the ark with Shem, Ham and Yefet the sons of Noach, Noach’s wife and the three wives of his sons accompanying them;

Berean Standard Bible

On that very day Noah entered the ark, along with his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and his wife, and the three wives of his sons—

American Standard Version

In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 7:13 marks the climactic moment of divine precision and human obedience, detailing the exact day Noah, his wife, their three sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth), and their wives entered the ark. This entry, occurring on the very day the Great Flood was to commence, signifies the culmination of decades of unwavering faith and diligent preparation in response to God's specific commands, sealing the fate of humanity and all life on Earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate fulfillment of God's command in [Genesis 6:18](/genesis/6-18 "God's covenant with Noah") and [Genesis 7:1](/genesis/7-1 "God commands Noah to enter the ark"), where Noah is instructed to enter the ark with his family and the animals. It follows the detailed instructions for the ark's construction in [Genesis 6:14-16](/genesis/6-14-16 "Instructions for building the ark") and the gathering of the animals in [Genesis 7:2-3](/genesis/7-2-3 "Animals entering the ark"). The enumeration of Noah's family members here reinforces the narrative's focus on the lineage preserved through the flood, setting the stage for the subsequent account of the deluge itself, which begins just a few verses later in [Genesis 7:17](/genesis/7-17 "The flood begins"). The phrase "In the selfsame day" provides a crucial temporal anchor, emphasizing the divine orchestration of events.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, floods were common, but a global deluge of this magnitude was unprecedented and would have been unimaginable. The idea of constructing a colossal vessel like the ark, as described in [Genesis 6:15](/genesis/6-15 "Dimensions of the ark"), would have been an immense undertaking, spanning many years (Noah was 600 years old when the flood came, according to [Genesis 7:6](/genesis/7-6 "Noah's age at the flood")). The cultural context was one of widespread wickedness and corruption, as described in [Genesis 6:5-7](/genesis/6-5-7 "God's grief over human wickedness"), leading God to decide to destroy humanity. Noah's family, therefore, represented a righteous remnant in a world steeped in depravity, making their entry into the ark a stark separation from the condemned world.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 7:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Salvation**, as God's righteous judgment on a corrupt world is met with His merciful provision of salvation for Noah and his family through the ark. Secondly, the verse highlights **Obedience and Faith**, showcasing Noah's unwavering trust and meticulous adherence to God's commands, even in the face of societal ridicule and the sheer scale of the task. This obedience is a recurring motif, from Abraham's call in [Genesis 12:1-4](/genesis/12-1-4 "The call of Abram") to the giving of the Law. Lastly, the emphasis on "the selfsame day" reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Timing**, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation, judgment, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan, ensuring that His purposes are executed with perfect precision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **selfsame (Hebrew, _ʻetsem'_):** From H6106, meaning "a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. (as pron.) selfsame." This word is used here to convey the idea of the "very essence" or "exact core" of the day. It emphasizes that the entry into the ark was not merely on that day, but at the precise, appointed moment within that day, highlighting divine exactitude and immediacy.
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From H3117, meaning "a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverb)." In this context, "day" refers to a literal 24-hour period, specifically the day God had ordained for the flood to begin. Coupled with "selfsame," it underscores the precise temporal alignment of Noah's entry with the commencement of the global judgment.
* **entered (Hebrew, _bôwʼ'_):** From H935, a primitive root meaning "to go or come (in a wide variety of applications);... (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try)." This verb denotes a decisive, active movement into the ark. It signifies the fulfillment of God's command and Noah's obedient response, marking the definitive separation of those to be saved from the world that would be judged.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the selfsame day entered Noah,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the precise timing of the event, underscoring God's meticulous orchestration. The term "selfsame day" (Hebrew: *b'etzem hayom hazeh*) conveys an emphatic sense of exactness, meaning "in the very bone of that day" or "on that very day itself." It highlights that Noah's entry was not delayed but occurred precisely at the divinely appointed moment, just as the floodwaters were about to break forth.
* **"and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah,"**: This clause meticulously lists Noah's three sons by name, emphasizing their individual identities and their collective role as the progenitors of all post-flood humanity. Their inclusion is crucial for the continuation of the human lineage and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, reinforcing the narrative's focus on the preserved remnant.
* **"and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them,"**: This detail completes the enumeration of the human occupants of the ark, totaling eight individuals. The specific mention of the wives underscores the preservation of the family unit, essential for repopulating the earth. Their presence signifies the comprehensive nature of God's salvation, extending to the entire household of the righteous.
* **"into the ark;"**: This final phrase specifies their destination, the divinely appointed vessel of salvation. The ark, a symbol of refuge and preservation, represents the only place of safety from the impending judgment. Their entry into it marks their complete separation from the condemned world outside and their secure placement under God's protective hand.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Emphasis** is prominently used through the phrase "In the selfsame day," which, by its very construction in Hebrew (*b'etzem hayom hazeh*), draws immediate attention to the precise and divinely ordained timing of the event. This serves to underscore God's absolute **Sovereignty** and control over the unfolding of His plan. The careful **Enumeration** of each family member—Noah, his wife, their three sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth), and their wives—serves to highlight the completeness of the human remnant preserved. This detailed listing not only provides a factual account but also imbues the narrative with a sense of historical accuracy and the profound significance of each individual's role in the continuation of humanity. Furthermore, the ark itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism** of God's provision for salvation amidst judgment, foreshadowing later biblical themes of refuge and redemption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 7:13 stands as a profound testament to God's precise execution of His sovereign will, demonstrating that His plans unfold with absolute accuracy and without deviation. The "selfsame day" emphasis highlights not only divine timing but also Noah's perfect obedience, which was instrumental in the preservation of humanity. This moment marks the definitive separation of the righteous remnant from a world ripe for judgment, underscoring God's justice in punishing sin while simultaneously extending mercy to those who walk in faith. The ark itself becomes a powerful prefigurement of salvation, a vessel of refuge from impending destruction.

* **Obedience and Faith:** Noah's meticulous adherence to God's instructions, from the ark's construction to the precise timing of entry, exemplifies profound faith. His actions served as a powerful witness to a world that largely ignored divine warnings. This unwavering obedience is later commended in the New Testament as an example of righteousness by faith in [Hebrews 11:7](/hebrews/11-7 "Noah's faith in Hebrews 11:7").
* **Divine Timing and Providence:** The emphasis on "In the selfsame day" underscores God's perfect control over all events. The timing was not arbitrary but divinely orchestrated, ensuring the salvation of Noah's family and the preservation of life on Earth according to His sovereign plan. It demonstrates that God's plans unfold with absolute precision, down to the very moment.
* **Salvation and Preservation:** The ark stands as a powerful symbol of God's provision for salvation amidst judgment. Just as Noah's family found refuge within the ark, believers today find spiritual refuge and salvation in Christ. [1 Peter 3:20-21](/1_peter/3-20-21 "The ark as a figure of salvation in 1 Peter 3:20-21") speaks of baptism as an antitype, connecting the ark's salvation through water to the salvation offered through Christ's resurrection.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 7:13 serves as a profound reminder of the critical importance of prompt and complete obedience to God's word. Noah's story encourages us to trust God's warnings and promises, even when they seem far-fetched, demand significant commitment, or require sustained effort over long periods. His readiness to enter the ark precisely when commanded highlights the call for believers to be prepared for the Lord's return and to live in continuous readiness, knowing that divine timing is always perfect. This verse also reinforces the comforting truth that God, in His infinite mercy, always provides a way of salvation for those who respond to His call with faith and obedience, separating them from the judgment that awaits the unrighteous. It challenges us to consider our own readiness to obey God's voice, particularly when His commands seem counter-cultural or demand great sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to a deeper level of immediate and complete obedience, much like Noah's entry into the ark?**
* **How does the emphasis on God's precise timing in this verse encourage you to trust His providence, even when His plans unfold differently or more slowly than you anticipate?**
* **What does Noah's separation from the world into the ark teach us about the call for believers today to live distinctly from the prevailing culture?**

### FAQ
**Why is the timing of their entry, "In the selfsame day," so specifically emphasized?**

Answer: The emphasis on "In the selfsame day" (Hebrew: *b'etzem hayom hazeh*) highlights the divine precision and exactness of God's timing. It underscores that Noah's entry into the ark was not arbitrary or delayed, but occurred at the precise moment God had ordained for the flood to commence. This detail reinforces God's absolute sovereignty and control over all events, demonstrating that His plans unfold with perfect accuracy and without deviation, down to the very hour. It also emphasizes Noah's perfect obedience to God's command, entering precisely when instructed, as seen in [Genesis 7:5](/genesis/7-5 "Noah did all that the Lord commanded him").

**Who exactly were the "three wives of his sons" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While the Bible names Noah's three sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth), it does not provide the specific names of their wives. They are consistently referred to collectively as "the wives of his sons" or "their wives." Their inclusion in the ark, however, was essential for the continuation of humanity after the flood, ensuring that each of Noah's sons had a partner to begin new family lines and fulfill God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" ([Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's blessing and command to Noah after the flood")). Their anonymity emphasizes their collective role in God's plan for preservation.

**How does this verse connect to the broader theme of God's judgment and mercy?**

Answer: [Genesis 7:13](/genesis/7-13 "Noah's entry into the ark") stands at the threshold of God's righteous judgment upon a wicked world, yet it simultaneously highlights His immense mercy. The entry into the ark represents God's provision of salvation for Noah and his family, who found favor in His eyes ([Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord")). It demonstrates that even in the midst of righteous judgment, God always provides a way of escape for those who are obedient and faithful to Him, separating the righteous from the unrighteous. This act of salvation through the ark is a powerful illustration of God's dual nature: His unwavering justice against sin and His boundless compassion for those who trust Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ark, entered by Noah and his family "In the selfsame day" of the flood's onset, serves as a profound prefigurement of Christ and the salvation He offers. Just as the ark was God's divinely appointed means of salvation from the waters of judgment, so too is Jesus Christ God's singular provision for salvation from the ultimate judgment of sin. Noah and his family were brought into the ark by God's command and sealed within by God Himself ([Genesis 7:16](/genesis/7-16 "The Lord shut him in")), finding refuge and new life through a vessel that passed through judgment. Similarly, believers are brought into Christ by faith, are "in Christ" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New creation in Christ")), sealed by the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 1:13](/ephesians/1-13 "Sealed with the Holy Spirit")), and find spiritual refuge and eternal life through His atoning sacrifice, which bore the full weight of God's judgment on humanity's behalf ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Christ died for us while we were still sinners")). The ark's precise timing of entry foreshadows the perfect timing of Christ's redemptive work, "in the fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "God sent his Son in the fullness of time")), and His eventual return, when He will gather His elect into eternal safety ([Matthew 24:36-44](/matthew/24-36-44 "The day and hour no one knows")).

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 6:18

But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.

Genesis 7:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

1 Peter 3:20

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

Genesis 6:10

And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Genesis 5:32

And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

2 Peter 2:5

And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth [person], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

Genesis 10:6

¶ And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.