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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 7:17–20. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We are here told,
I.How long the flood was increasing - forty days, Gen 7:17.
The profane world, who believed not that it would come, probably when it came flattered themselves with hopes that it would soon abate and never come to extremity; but still it increased, it prevailed. Note,
1.When God judges he will overcome. If he begin, he will make an end; his way is perfect, both in judgment and mercy.
2.The gradual approaches and advances of God's judgments, which are designed to bring sinners to repentance, are often abused to the hardening of them in their presumption.
II.To what degree they increased:
they rose so high that not only the low flat countries were deluged, but to make sure work, and that none might escape, the tops of the highest mountains were overflowed - fifteen cubits, that is, seven yards and a half; so that in vain was salvation hoped for from hills or mountains, Jer 3:23. None of God's creatures are so high but his power can overtop them; and he will make them know that wherein they deal proudly he is above them. Perhaps the tops of the mountains were washed down by the strength of the waters, which helped much towards the prevailing of the waters above them; for it is said (Job 12:15), He sends out the waters, and they not only overflow, but overturn, the earth. Thus the refuge of lies was swept away, and the waters overflowed the hiding-place of those sinners (Isa 28:17), and in vain they fly to them for safety, Rev 6:16. Now the mountains departed, and the hills were removed, and nothing stood a man in stead but the covenant of peace, Isa 54:10. There is no place on earth so high as to set men out of the reach of God's judgments, Jer 49:16; Oba 1:3, Oba 1:4. God's hand will find out all his enemies, Psa 21:8. Observe how exactly they are fathomed (fifteen cubits), not by Noah's plummet, but by his knowledge who weighs the waters by measure, Job 28:25.
III.What became of Noah's ark when the waters thus increased:
It was lifted up above the earth (Gen 7:17), and went upon the face of the waters, Gen 7:18. When all other buildings were demolished by the waters, and buried under them, the ark alone subsisted. Observe,
1.The waters which broke down every thing else bore up the ark. That which to unbelievers is a savour of death unto death is to the faithful a savour of life unto life.
2.The more the waters increased the higher the ark was lifted up towards heaven. Thus sanctified afflictions are spiritual promotions; and as troubles abound consolations much more abound.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
With the eye of my mind
I gazed upon paradise.
The summit of every mountain
is lower than its summit,
the crest of the flood
reached only its foothills,
these it kissed with reverence
before turning back
to rise above and subdue the peak
of every hill and mountain.
The foothills of paradise it kisses,
while every summit it buffets.
It is not without purpose that Scripture describes all this to us. Instead, its purpose is for us to learn that not only people, cattle, four-footed beasts and reptiles were drowned but also the birds of heaven and whatever inhabited the mountains, namely, animals and other wild creatures. Hence the text says, “The flood rose fifteen cubits above the mountains,” for you to learn that the execution of the Lord’s sentence had been effected. He said, remember, “After seven more days I will bring a deluge upon the earth and I will wipe off the face of the earth all the life I have made, from human beings to cattle, and from reptiles to birds of heaven.” So Scripture narrates this not simply to teach us the flood level but that we may be able to understand along with this that there was absolutely nothing left standing—no wild beasts, no animals, no cattle—rather, everything was annihilated along with the human race. Since it was for their sake that all these creatures had been created, with the imminent destruction of the human beings it was fitting that these creatures too should meet their end. Then, after teaching us the great height reached by the flood waters and the fact that they rose a further fifteen cubits above the mountain peaks, it further adds out of fidelity to its characteristic precision, “There perished all flesh that moved on the earth—birds, animals, every reptile that moved on the earth, every human being—everything that had breath of life, everything on dry land: all perished.” That was not an idle reference in the words “everything on dry land”; instead, its purpose was to teach us that while others perished, the just man with everyone in the ark alone was saved.
But let us see where this most sacred number of forty days had its beginning. We read first in the Old Testament that in the time of Noah, when criminal wickedness had seized the whole human race, torrents of water poured forth from the opened floodgates of heaven for just as many days. In a kind of mysterious image of Quadragesima, this inundation of the earth refers not so much to a flood as to baptism. This was clearly a baptism in which the wickedness of sinners was removed and Noah’s righteousness preserved. For this reason, then, the Lord has given us forty days now as well in imitation of that time, so that for this number of days, while the heavens are opened, a celestial rain of mercy might pour upon us and, with the flood, the water of the saving washing might enlighten us in baptism and—as was the case then—the wickedness of our sins might be quenched in us by the streams of water and the righteousness of our virtues preserved. For the very same thing is at issue with regard to Noah and in our own day: baptism is a flood to the sinner and a consecration to the faithful; by the Lord’s washing, righteousness is preserved and unrighteousness is destroyed.
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Summary
Genesis 7:18 masterfully encapsulates the escalating intensity of the Great Flood, declaring that "the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth," a powerful testament to God's overwhelming judgment and absolute sovereignty over creation. Simultaneously, the verse pivots to highlight divine preservation, stating "and the ark went upon the face of the waters," thereby underscoring God's faithful provision and the ark's unique role as a divinely sustained vessel of salvation amidst global catastrophe, carried solely by His power.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 7:18 is strategically placed at the apex of the flood's destructive phase, immediately following the forty days and nights of torrential rain and the bursting forth of the "fountains of the great deep" (Genesis 7:11-12). This verse marks the critical juncture where the waters have not only covered the earth but have begun to assert their full, overwhelming dominance. It sets the stage for the subsequent verses that describe the waters' maximum height, covering even the highest mountains (Genesis 7:19-20), and the perishing of all living creatures outside the ark (Genesis 7:21-23). Thus, Genesis 7:18 serves as a pivotal statement, confirming the global scale of the deluge and the complete subjugation of the earth to God's judgment, while simultaneously affirming the ark's miraculous survival.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Great Flood narrative in Genesis stands distinct from other ancient Near Eastern flood accounts, such as the Gilgamesh Epic or the Atrahasis Epic, which often depict floods as capricious acts of quarreling deities. In contrast, the biblical account presents the flood as a righteous, deliberate act of divine judgment against pervasive human wickedness and corruption (Genesis 6:5-7). The concept of a global deluge was not foreign to ancient cultures, but the Genesis narrative uniquely emphasizes God's moral character, His covenant faithfulness to Noah (Genesis 6:18), and the ark's role as a singular vessel of salvation. The construction of the ark itself, a massive, unprecedented undertaking, would have been a profoundly counter-cultural act, demonstrating Noah's extraordinary faith and obedience in a world steeped in sin and skepticism.
Key Themes
Genesis 7:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Judgment, illustrating God's absolute control over creation and His righteous response to human sin. The "prevailing" and "greatly increasing" waters are not random forces but instruments of His will, demonstrating His power to both destroy and sustain. Hand-in-hand with judgment is the theme of Divine Grace and Preservation, exemplified by Noah and his family being safely secured within the ark. Despite universal destruction, God's covenant faithfulness ensures the continuation of humanity through a chosen remnant. This highlights the concept of Salvation by Grace through Obedience, as Noah's meticulous adherence to God's commands (Genesis 6:22) was the prerequisite for his deliverance. The ark itself emerges as a profound Type of Salvation, prefiguring later biblical concepts of refuge and deliverance found ultimately in Christ.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, typically used in a singular sense despite its dual form, refers to water in various forms. In Genesis 7:18, "waters" signifies the overwhelming, destructive force of the flood, but paradoxically, also the medium upon which the ark is sustained. It represents both divine judgment and the means of divine preservation.
This primitive root means "to be strong," "to prevail," or "to overcome." When applied to the waters, it indicates their complete dominance and irresistible power. The waters were not merely present; they were actively asserting their strength, demonstrating the full force of God's judgment against the earth. This word emphasizes the active, conquering nature of the deluge.
This word denotes vehemence, intensity, or a superlative degree. When paired with "increased," it underscores the immense magnitude and rapid escalation of the waters. It signifies an unprecedented, overwhelming inundation, leaving no part of the earth untouched and no possibility of escape outside the ark.
Verse Breakdown
"And the waters prevailed"
This opening clause immediately establishes the absolute dominance of the flood. The Hebrew verb gabar (H1396) conveys a sense of overcoming, becoming mighty, or asserting superior strength. This is not merely a passive description of water levels rising; it is an active declaration that the waters, as agents of God's judgment, had conquered and subjected the entire earth. They were not just present; they were actively demonstrating their irresistible power, executing God's will with overwhelming force.
"and were increased greatly upon the earth"
This phrase intensifies the preceding statement, emphasizing the magnitude and rapid escalation of the deluge. The Hebrew word râbâh (H7235, "increased") combined with mᵉʼôd (H3966, "greatly" or "exceedingly") paints a picture of an unprecedented and total inundation. The waters did not just rise; they multiplied in volume and depth to an extraordinary degree, covering every part of the land and leaving no refuge. This highlights the global and comprehensive nature of God's judgment upon a corrupted world.
"and the ark went upon the face of the waters"
In stark contrast to the destructive power described in the first two clauses, this final clause pivots to divine preservation. The Hebrew verb yâlak (H3212, "went" or "walked") here implies a passive, unguided movement. The ark was not propelled by human effort or navigation; it was lifted, carried, and sustained by the very waters that brought destruction to everything else. This underscores a crucial theological point: the ark's safety and the preservation of its occupants were entirely dependent on God's power and provision, not human ingenuity. The ark floated "upon the face" (pânîym, H6440) of the waters, signifying its elevation above the judgment and its unique status as a vessel of life in a world of death.
Literary Devices
Genesis 7:18 employs several powerful literary devices. Contrast is central, juxtaposing the destructive power of the "prevailing" and "greatly increased" waters with the ark's serene, divinely sustained movement "upon the face of the waters." This highlights God's ability to use the very instrument of judgment as a means of salvation for those He chooses to preserve. Hyperbole is evident in the phrase "increased greatly," emphasizing the unprecedented and overwhelming scale of the flood, beyond normal human experience, to convey the totality of God's judgment. The ark itself functions as profound Symbolism, representing God's provision for salvation and a secure refuge amidst overwhelming chaos. Its passive movement "upon the face of the waters" symbolizes that salvation is not achieved by human effort but is a sovereign work of God's grace. Finally, there is an underlying Divine Anthropomorphism in the way the waters are described as "prevailing," almost as if they are actively executing a will, which subtly attributes agency to God's judgment through them.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 7:18 is a profound theological statement, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to both righteous judgment and faithful preservation. The overwhelming power of the flood serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pervasive sin and God's holy intolerance of evil. Yet, amidst this cataclysmic judgment, the ark's miraculous flotation underscores God's meticulous care for His covenant people. This verse teaches that even in the most dire circumstances, God remains in control, capable of bringing life out of death and salvation out of destruction for those who trust and obey Him. It sets a precedent for understanding God's character throughout redemptive history—a God who judges sin but also provides a way of escape for the righteous.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 7:18 offers both a sobering warning and immense comfort to believers today. In a world that often feels overwhelmed by "waters" of moral decay, societal chaos, or personal trials, this verse powerfully reminds us that God remains utterly sovereign, even over the most destructive forces. Just as the ark was lifted above the deluge, so too does God provide a secure refuge for those who place their trust in Him. Our salvation, both from the judgment of sin and through the storms of life, is not a result of our own strength, wisdom, or ability to navigate the currents, but is entirely dependent on God's grace and power, carrying us through. This truth calls us to radical trust, encouraging us to anchor our hope in His protective hand, knowing that even when circumstances seem overwhelming, His plan for our preservation will prevail for those who are "in Christ." It challenges us to examine where we are seeking refuge—in our own ingenuity or in the divinely provided ark of salvation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the waters prevailed" mean in a theological sense?
In a theological sense, "the waters prevailed" signifies God's complete and active control over the flood. It's not merely a description of natural forces but an affirmation that the waters were empowered by divine will to execute God's judgment upon the earth. It underscores His absolute sovereignty and the irresistible nature of His decrees, demonstrating that no force can stand against His purposes.
Did Noah actively steer the ark during the flood?
No, the phrase "the ark went upon the face of the waters" (Hebrew: halakh al penei hamayim) implies a passive, unguided movement. The ark was carried and lifted by the waters, not actively steered or navigated by Noah. This emphasizes that the ark's journey and the preservation of its occupants were entirely under God's control and provision, highlighting that their salvation was a divine act, not a human achievement.
How does the ark's being "upon the face of the waters" relate to salvation?
The ark's position "upon the face of the waters" is a powerful symbol of salvation. While the waters brought judgment and death to everything beneath them, the ark, by being lifted above them, represented life and deliverance. This prefigures salvation in Christ, where believers are lifted above the judgment of sin and death, not by their own efforts, but by God's gracious provision and power. It illustrates that true salvation is found only in the divinely appointed refuge, safe from the wrath that consumes the world.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Genesis 7:18 finds its ultimate and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The ark, lifted above the destructive waters of divine judgment and serving as the sole means of salvation for Noah and his family, powerfully prefigures Christ as the ultimate Ark of salvation. Just as the ark bore its occupants safely through the global deluge, so Christ, through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, bore the full weight of divine judgment for sin, offering salvation to all who are "in Him." He is the secure vessel, the divine refuge, who lifts believers above the condemning waters of God's wrath, providing eternal life and reconciliation. The passive nature of the ark's journey, entirely dependent on God's power and not human effort, beautifully illustrates the truth that salvation is not a result of human works or merit, but a gracious gift, freely given and sovereignly accomplished by God through Christ. As 1 Peter 3:20-21 explicitly states, the flood and the ark are a "type" (or antitype) of baptism that now saves us, "not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." This highlights that just as the ark preserved Noah through water, so Christ's resurrection preserves us through a spiritual cleansing that unites us to Him, our true and eternal refuge from judgment. He is the one who "saves completely those who come to God through him" (Hebrews 7:25).