TRV
Translation
King James 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;
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;
World English Bible Messianic
In the same day Noah, and Shem, Ham, and Japheth—the sons of Noah—and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered into the ship—
Geneva Bible (1599)
In the selfe same day entred Noah with Shem, and Ham and Iapheth, the sonnes of Noah, and Noahs wife, and the three wiues of his sonnes with them into the Arke.
Young's Literal Translation
In this self-same day went in Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, sons of Noah, and Noah's wife and the three wives of his sons with them, unto the ark;
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Commentary on Genesis 7 verses 13–16
13 ¶ 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;
14 They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort.
15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.
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.
Here is repeated what was related before of Noah's entrance into the ark, with his family and creatures that were marked for preservation. Now,
I. It is thus repeated for the honour of Noah, whose faith and obedience herein shone so brightly, by which he obtained a good report, and who herein appeared so great a favourite of Heaven and so great a blessing to this earth.
II. Notice is here taken of the beasts going in each after his kind, according to the phrase used in the history of the creation (Gen 1:21-25), to intimate that just as many kinds as were created at first were saved now, and no more; and that this preservation was as a new creation: a life remarkably protected is, as it were, a new life.
III. Though all enmities and hostilities between the creatures ceased for the present, and ravenous creatures were not only so mild and manageable as that the wolf and the lamb lay down together, but so strangely altered as that the lion did eat straw like an ox (Isa 11:6, Isa 11:7), yet, when this occasion was over, the restraint was taken off, and they were still of the same kind as ever; for the ark did not alter their constitution. Hypocrites in the church, that externally conform to the laws of that ark, may yet be unchanged, and then it will appear, one time or other, what kind they are after.
IV. It is added (and the circumstance deserves our notice), The Lord shut him in, Gen 7:16. As Noah continued his obedience to God, so God continued his care of Noah: and here it appeared to be a very distinguishing care; for the shutting of this door set up a partition wall between him and all the world besides. God shut the door, 1. To secure him, and keep him safe in the ark. The door must be shut very close, lest the waters should break in and sink the ark, and very fast, lest any without should break it down. Thus God made up Noah, as he makes up his jewels, Mal 3:17. 2. To exclude all others, and keep them for ever out. Hitherto the door of the ark stood open, and if any, even during the last seven days, had repented and believed, for aught I know they might have been welcomed into the ark; but now the door was shut, and they were cut off from all hopes of admittance: for God shutteth, and none can open.
V. There is much of our gospel duty and privilege to be seen in Noah's preservation in the ark. The apostle makes it a type of our baptism, that is, our Christianity, Pe1 3:20, Pe1 3:21. Observe then, 1. It is our great duty, in obedience to the gospel call, by a lively faith in Christ, to come into that way of salvation which God has provided for poor sinners. When Noah came into the ark, he quitted his own house and lands; so must we quit our own righteousness and our worldly possessions, whenever they come into competition with Christ. Noah must, for a while, submit to the confinements and inconveniences of the ark, in order to his preservation for a new world; so those that come into Christ to be saved by him must deny themselves, both in sufferings and services. 2. Those that come into the ark themselves should bring as many as they can in with them, by good instructions, by persuasions, and by a good example. What knowest thou, O man, but thou mayest thus save thy wife (Co1 7:16), as Noah did his? There is room enough in Christ for all comers. 3. Those that by faith come into Christ, the ark, shall by the power of God be shut in, and kept as in a strong-hold by the power of God, Pe1 1:5. God put Adam into paradise, but he did not shut him in, and so he threw himself out; but when he put Noah into the ark he shut him in, and so when he brings a soul to Christ he ensures its salvation: it is not in our own keeping, but in the Mediator's hand. 4. The door of mercy will shortly be shut against those that now make light of it. Now, knock and it shall be opened; but the time will come when it shall not, Luk 13:25.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–16. Public domain.
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Justin MartyrAD 165
Dialogue with Trypho, Chapter CXXVII
When 'God shut Noah into the ark,' you must not imagine that the unbegotten God Himself came down or went up from any place. For the ineffable Father and Lord of all neither has come to any place, nor walks, nor sleeps, nor rises up, but remains in His own place, wherever that is, quick to behold and quick to hear, having neither eyes nor ears, but being of indescribable might; and He sees all things, and knows all things, and none of us escapes His observation; and He is not moved or confined to a spot in the whole world, for He existed before the world was made.
Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
COMMENTARY ON GENESIS 6.11.2
“The Lord shut the door before Noah,” lest those left behind come at the time of the floods and break down the gate of the ark. The deluge came and “God blotted out all flesh. Only Noah was left and those that were with him in the ark.” The springs of the abyss and the floodgates of heaven were open forty days and forty nights, and the “ark was afloat for one hundred fifty days.”
John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON GENESIS 25.12
The text goes on, “The Lord God shut the ark from the outside.” Notice in this place too the considerateness in the expression “God shut the ark from the outside,” to teach us that he had ensured the good man’s complete safety. The reason for adding “from the outside” to “he shut” was that the good man might not be in the position of seeing the disaster occur and suffering even greater distress. I mean, if he brooded over that terrible flood and set indelibly in his mind the destruction of the human race, the complete annihilation of all brute beasts and the disappearance, as it were, of people, animals and the earth itself, he would have been disturbed and anguished.
JeromeAD 420
HOMILIES 93
[We see that] certain psalms are titled “for the octave.” This is the day on which the synagogue comes to an end and the church is born. This is the day in the number of which eight souls were preserved in the ark of Noah, and “its counterpart, the church,” says Peter, “now saves you.”
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Genesis (Hexaemeron)
On that day, Noah and Shem and Ham and Japheth, his sons, and his wife, and the three wives of his sons with them entered the ark. They and every animal according to its kind, and so on until it says: and all the birds entered the ark with Noah. Therefore, all the living creatures entered the ark on one and the same day, because Noah did not labor greatly and for a long time to collect and bring them in or drive them into the ark; but by divine guidance, they all came willingly in their respective numbers, following him with his children and wives in order, and each took their own quarters, as if by their own will, under the guidance of the Lord. This is supported by what is said of the birds: they entered the ark with Noah, and above generally, and of all that moved on the earth, two by two they entered the ark with Noah. On that same day, that is, the seventeenth day of the second month, the following happened.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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 and Genesis 7:1, 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 and the gathering of the animals in Genesis 7:2-3. 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. 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, would have been an immense undertaking, spanning many years (Noah was 600 years old when the flood came, according to Genesis 7:6). The cultural context was one of widespread wickedness and corruption, as described in Genesis 6:5-7, 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 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
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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.
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). 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 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). 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), 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), sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), 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). The ark's precise timing of entry foreshadows the perfect timing of Christ's redemptive work, "in the fullness of time" (Galatians 4:4), and His eventual return, when He will gather His elect into eternal safety (Matthew 24:36-44).