Genesis 7:5

KJV

¶ And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Noah {H5146} did {H6213} according unto all that the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Noach did all that Adonai ordered him to do.

Berean Standard Bible

And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him.

American Standard Version

And Noah did according unto all that Jehovah commanded him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 7:5 serves as a pivotal declaration, succinctly confirming Noah's complete and unwavering obedience to every divine instruction regarding the construction of the ark and the intricate preparations for the impending global flood. This verse marks the culmination of decades of diligent labor and faithful adherence to God's precise commands, signifying Noah's readiness to enter the ark just as the moment of divine judgment was imminent upon a world steeped in corruption. It underscores the profound integrity of Noah's faith, demonstrated through his sustained and meticulous action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 7:5 is strategically placed at the climax of the narrative detailing the ark's construction and immediately preceding the deluge itself. It follows God's initial detailed commands for building the ark in [Genesis 6:14-21](/genesis/6-14-21 "God's Instructions for Building the Ark") and the subsequent affirmation of Noah's righteousness and the covenant in [Genesis 6:9-13](/genesis/6-9-13 "Noah's Righteousness and God's Decision to Flood the Earth"). The preceding verse, Genesis 7:4, explicitly states God's intention to send rain in seven days, making Noah's obedience in verse 5 the final, crucial act of preparation before the judgment commences. This verse functions as a powerful summary statement, repeatedly affirming Noah's complete compliance, echoing earlier declarations like [Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Noah's Obedience to God's Command to Build the Ark"), thus emphasizing the consistent and total nature of his faithfulness leading up to the flood.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The world before the flood, as depicted in Genesis 6, was characterized by pervasive wickedness and violence, where "every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" ([Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Humanity's Widespread Corruption")). In such a morally degenerate society, Noah's decision to obey God's seemingly absurd command to build a massive ark in a land that had likely never experienced rain would have been met with ridicule, skepticism, and perhaps even hostility. The cultural norms of the time would have offered no precedent for such a catastrophic event, making Noah's faith-driven labor an extraordinary act of counter-cultural conviction. Geographically, the construction of the ark would have been a monumental undertaking, requiring immense resources, time, and sustained effort, all in anticipation of a global flood, an event entirely outside the known experience of humanity.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 7:5 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within the Noahic narrative and the broader book of Genesis. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, as God's absolute authority to command and execute judgment upon a sinful world is clearly demonstrated. Noah's obedience highlights the theme of **Righteousness by Faith**, showing that true faith is not passive belief but active, sustained obedience to God's revealed will, as later expounded in [Hebrews 11:7](/hebrews/11-7 "By Faith Noah Built the Ark"). This verse also contributes to the theme of **Preservation and Salvation**, as Noah's meticulous adherence to God's instructions is the means by which he, his family, and all land-dwelling life are preserved through the cataclysm. Finally, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Fidelity**, as Noah's obedience is a vital component of the unfolding covenant relationship between God and humanity, culminating in the post-flood covenant of [Genesis 9](/genesis/9 "The Noahic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 7:5 states, "¶ And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him." This concise declaration, appearing at a critical juncture, powerfully encapsulates Noah's faithful response to God's detailed instructions for building the ark and preparing for the deluge. The phrase "according unto all that the LORD commanded him" is paramount, emphasizing that Noah's obedience was not partial or selective, but total and unwavering, encompassing every single detail. This highlights a profound commitment to God's will, demonstrating a faith that was active and enduring, even in the face of immense societal opposition and the unprecedented nature of God's warning.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Noah (Hebrew, _Nôach'_):** From H5146, meaning "rest." This name, ironically, is associated with the one who brought "rest" through judgment and a new beginning. In this verse, Noah is presented as the obedient agent through whom God's plan for preservation and renewal is executed. His very name, "rest," points to the ultimate outcome of God's judgment and the new era of peace established after the flood.
* **did (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, a primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." This verb signifies not merely hearing or intending but the full and complete execution, performance, and accomplishment of a task. When applied to Noah, it emphasizes his active, diligent, and sustained effort over many years to fulfill God's complex and demanding instructions, transforming divine command into tangible reality.
* **commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** From H6680, a primitive root meaning "to constitute, enjoin; appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge." This word denotes a divine imperative, a direct and authoritative instruction from God. The use of "commanded" highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His right to issue directives, which Noah, in turn, completely honored, demonstrating the proper human response to divine authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Noah did":** This opening phrase immediately establishes Noah as the subject of action. The verb "did" (Hebrew: _ʻâsâh'_) implies not just a passive agreement but an active, diligent, and comprehensive execution of tasks. It signifies that Noah was fully engaged in the monumental work of building the ark and gathering the animals, transforming God's verbal commands into physical reality through sustained effort.
* **"according unto all that the LORD":** This crucial phrase underscores the absolute completeness and precision of Noah's obedience. The inclusion of "all" emphasizes that no detail, no instruction, no part of God's command was overlooked or neglected. It highlights a meticulous adherence to divine blueprint and purpose, demonstrating a faith that trusted God's wisdom in every particular, no matter how seemingly insignificant or challenging. The phrase "the LORD" (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh'_) identifies the divine source of the command as the covenant-keeping God, whose word is authoritative and reliable.
* **"commanded him":** This final segment reinforces the divine origin and authoritative nature of the instructions. Noah's actions were not self-initiated or based on human wisdom but were a direct, submissive response to God's explicit directives. This highlights the master-servant relationship, where the servant's duty is to perfectly carry out the master's will, validating God's sovereign right to command and judge.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 7:5 employs several powerful literary devices. **Repetition** is a key technique, as the phrase "Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him" or similar variations (e.g., [Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Noah's Obedience to God's Command"), [Genesis 7:16](/genesis/7-16 "God Shuts the Door of the Ark")) frequently appears in the Noahic narrative. This **repetition** serves to emphasize Noah's consistent and perfect obedience, making it a central theme and highlighting his unique righteousness in a corrupt world. The verse also functions as a form of **Summary Statement**, concisely wrapping up the long period of ark construction and preparation, signaling the immediate transition to the flood itself. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing** and **Typology** at play; Noah's obedience, which leads to salvation through a vessel, foreshadows a greater salvation to come. The ark, built by obedience, becomes a **symbol** of deliverance through judgment, pointing to the ultimate salvation found in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 7:5 stands as a profound theological statement, affirming God's absolute sovereignty and the critical importance of human obedience as a demonstration of genuine faith. Noah's complete compliance underscores the truth that God's commands are not arbitrary but are expressions of His perfect will, designed for humanity's preservation and His glory. His obedience is presented not as a means to earn salvation, but as the fruit of a righteous standing before God, a faith that trusts God's word implicitly, even when it demands extraordinary effort and seems contrary to human reason. This verse highlights that true faith is always active, leading to a life characterized by diligent and sustained submission to divine authority, preparing the faithful for God's redemptive purposes amidst judgment.

* [Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Noah's Obedience to God's Command to Build the Ark")
* [Hebrews 11:7](/hebrews/11-7 "By Faith Noah Built the Ark")
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "Faith Without Works Is Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Noah's unwavering obedience in Genesis 7:5 offers a timeless and profound challenge for believers today, prompting us to examine the depth and completeness of our own submission to God's commands. In a world that often prioritizes personal autonomy, instant gratification, and questions divine authority, Noah exemplifies the profound wisdom and blessing of total surrender to God's word, even over decades of unseen labor. His story encourages us to trust God's instructions fully, even when they seem difficult, illogical, or contrary to prevailing worldly wisdom, understanding that true faith is not passive intellectual assent but an active, enduring commitment that compels us to act on His teachings consistently in our daily lives. We are called to persevere in faithfulness, even when immediate benefits are not apparent, when facing opposition or ridicule, or when the task seems overwhelming. Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God honors and preserves those who faithfully and completely obey His commands, preparing them for His divine purposes and delivering them through life's inevitable storms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "do according unto all that the LORD commanded," even when it seems challenging or counter-cultural?**
* **How does Noah's long-term, sustained obedience encourage you to persevere in faithfulness, especially when the "results" of your obedience are not immediately visible?**
* **What specific steps can you take this week to demonstrate a more complete and unwavering obedience to a known command of God?**
* **How does the concept of "all" in Noah's obedience challenge any tendencies you might have towards partial or selective obedience to God's word?**

### FAQ
**Was Noah's obedience unique, or is it a model for all believers?**

Answer: While Noah's specific task of building the ark was unique in its scale and context, his pattern of complete and sustained obedience to God's revealed will serves as a universal and enduring model for all believers. The Bible consistently calls for obedience as a fundamental demonstration of faith and love for God, as seen in passages like [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "If you love me, keep my commandments") and [1 John 5:3](/1_john/5-3 "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments"). Noah's life illustrates that genuine faith is active and results in a life of submission to God's authority.

**How could Noah obey "all" that the LORD commanded him if he didn't know when the flood would come?**

Answer: Noah's obedience to "all that the LORD commanded him" refers specifically to the detailed instructions given for the ark's construction, its dimensions, the materials, the gathering of the animals, and the provisions, as outlined in [Genesis 6:14-21](/genesis/6-14-21 "God's Detailed Instructions for the Ark"). His obedience was in diligently completing the monumental task God set before him, trusting God for the timing and outcome of the flood itself. His faith was in God's word and His promise, not in his own understanding of the precise timeline. The final command to enter the ark came only seven days before the flood, as stated in [Genesis 7:4](/genesis/7-4 "God's Warning of the Seven-Day Delay before the Flood"), at which point Noah again obeyed perfectly.

**Does Noah's obedience imply that humans can earn salvation through works?**

Answer: No, Noah's obedience does not imply salvation by works. Rather, his obedience was a response to God's grace and a tangible demonstration of his faith, not a means of earning favor or salvation. [Hebrews 11:7](/hebrews/11-7 "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house") explicitly states that "by faith Noah... prepared an ark to the saving of his house." His righteousness was imputed to him by faith, and his works were the fruit and evidence of that faith, not its root or cause. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that salvation is by grace through faith, as articulated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Noah's complete and unwavering obedience in Genesis 7:5 serves as a profound foreshadowing of the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all of God's commands and the righteous requirements of the law, not for His own salvation, but for ours ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Christ came not to destroy the law, but to fulfil")). Just as Noah's faithful obedience prepared the way for the physical salvation of humanity and the renewal of the earth through the ark, Christ's perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, secured eternal salvation and new creation for all who believe ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous")). The ark, meticulously built by Noah's faithful submission to God's word, serves as a powerful type of Christ, our ultimate ark of salvation, through whom we are delivered from the judgment of sin and brought into new life and communion with God ([1 Peter 3:20-21](/1_peter/3-20-21 "The Ark as a Figure of Baptism and Salvation through Christ")). In Christ, we find not merely a temporary reprieve from physical judgment, but eternal deliverance and reconciliation with God, made possible by His perfect obedience on our behalf.

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 6:22

¶ Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

Luke 8:21

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

Exodus 39:32

¶ Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

Exodus 39:42

According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.

Exodus 39:43

And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

Psalms 119:6

Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

Hebrews 5:8

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;