Genesis 8:1

KJV

¶ And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that [was] with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} remembered {H2142} Noah {H5146}, and every living thing {H2416}, and all the cattle {H929} that was with him in the ark {H8392}: and God {H430} made {H5674} a wind {H7307} to pass {H5674} over {H5921} the earth {H776}, and the waters {H4325} asswaged {H7918};

Complete Jewish Bible

God remembered Noach, every living thing and all the livestock with him in the ark; so God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water began to go down.

Berean Standard Bible

But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark. And God sent a wind over the earth, and the waters began to subside.

American Standard Version

And God remembered Noah, and all the beasts, and all the cattle that were with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 8:1 marks a profound turning point in the biblical flood narrative, shifting the divine focus from judgment and destruction to active remembrance and the commencement of restoration. After 150 days of overwhelming waters, this verse reveals God's purposeful and compassionate intervention on behalf of Noah, his family, and all the creatures preserved within the ark, initiating the process of the floodwaters' recession through the sending of a powerful wind, thereby signaling the dawn of hope and a new beginning for creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the pivotal transition between the destructive phase of the global flood, meticulously detailed in [Genesis 6](/genesis/6 "The wickedness of humanity and God's decision to flood the earth") and [Genesis 7](/genesis/7 "The entry into the ark and the onset of the flood"), and the subsequent narrative of the earth's drying and the re-establishment of life. Prior to this, [Genesis 7:24](/genesis/7-24 "The duration of the flood's intensity") concludes the account of the waters prevailing for 150 days, emphasizing the complete inundation and the perishing of all life outside the ark. [Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "God remembers Noah and begins the earth's restoration") thus functions as a divine turning point, introducing God's active reversal of the flood's effects, setting the stage for Noah's eventual disembarkation and the subsequent covenant. It is the narrative hinge upon which the story moves from divine wrath to divine grace and renewal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, flood narratives were common, often portraying capricious gods. However, the biblical account, particularly [Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "God remembers Noah and begins the earth's restoration"), stands in stark contrast by emphasizing the moral righteousness of God's judgment and His unwavering faithfulness. The concept of God "remembering" (Hebrew: *zakhar*) is crucial, as it implies not mere mental recall but an active, purposeful engagement and intervention, often in fulfillment of a covenant or promise. This understanding would have resonated deeply with ancient audiences, signifying God's steadfast character. Furthermore, the "wind" (Hebrew: *ruach*) in this context carries significant theological weight, often associated with divine power and life-giving force, as seen in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "The Spirit of God hovering over the waters") where the Spirit of God hovers over the primordial waters, or in [Ezekiel 37:9](/ezekiel/37-9 "The Spirit bringing life to dry bones") where wind brings life to dry bones, underscoring God's direct and sovereign control over creation.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "God remembers Noah and begins the earth's restoration") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over natural forces and His ability to orchestrate both judgment and restoration according to His perfect will. Secondly, the phrase "God remembered Noah" underscores **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, foreshadowing the formal covenant established in [Genesis 9](/genesis/9 "God's covenant with Noah and all living creatures") and affirming His unwavering commitment to His chosen ones, even amidst widespread devastation. Thirdly, it introduces the theme of **New Creation and Restoration**, marking the beginning of the earth's renewal after its purification, echoing the original creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "The Creation Account") and pointing forward to future acts of divine recreation. Finally, it emphasizes **God's Comprehensive Care**, extending His remembrance not only to Noah but also to "every living thing, and all the cattle," showcasing His concern for all of His creation, not solely humanity, a theme reiterated in passages like [Psalm 36:6](/psalms/36-6 "God preserves man and beast").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "God remembers Noah and begins the earth's restoration") serves as the pivotal turning point in the flood narrative, transitioning from the cataclysmic judgment to the divine initiation of restoration. The verse declares, "And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that [was] with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;" This statement is rich in theological significance, revealing God's character and sovereign action.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural form, used here with a singular verb, refers to the supreme God, emphasizing His majesty, power, and ultimate authority. The use of `ʼĕlôhîym` throughout the creation and flood narratives underscores that the actions described are not random occurrences but deliberate acts of the one, true, sovereign Creator and Judge. Here, it highlights that the remembrance and subsequent actions are solely divine in origin and execution.
* **remembered (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** Far more than a simple mental recall, `zâkar` in biblical context denotes active, purposeful attention that leads to decisive intervention. It implies God's compassionate engagement and His acting in accordance with His character, promises, or covenant. For Noah, this remembrance signifies God's unwavering faithfulness to His commitment to preserve him and all life in the ark, initiating the process of their deliverance and the earth's renewal. It is God's active turning toward His creation with a view to restoration.
* **wind (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This multifaceted word can mean "wind," "breath," or "spirit." In this context, it refers to a powerful, divinely directed current of air. The `rûwach` of God is not merely a natural phenomenon but an instrument of divine will, demonstrating God's direct control over the elements. Just as God's `rûwach` moved over the waters in creation ([Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "The Spirit of God hovering over the waters")), here it moves over the floodwaters to bring about a new order, signaling the end of destruction and the beginning of new life.
* **asswaged (Hebrew, _shâkak'_):** This verb means "to subside," "to abate," or "to sink down." It suggests a gradual but definite decrease in the water level, a process that is divinely initiated and controlled. The use of `shâkak` indicates a controlled, divinely orchestrated recession of the waters, not a chaotic dispersal, setting the stage for the earth to become habitable once more. This marks the tangible beginning of hope and new life after the overwhelming destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that [was] with him in the ark:"** This opening clause is foundational, revealing God's character and His active engagement. The divine "remembrance" is not a sudden recollection but a purposeful turning towards Noah and all the life he preserved. It signifies God's faithfulness to His prior commitment to save Noah and to sustain the animal kingdom. This comprehensive remembrance underscores God's deep care not only for humanity but for all His creation, even amidst the judgment of the world. It is a moment of divine grace breaking through the severity of judgment.
* **"and God made a wind to pass over the earth,"** This phrase highlights God's direct and sovereign intervention. The abatement of the flood was not a natural, spontaneous occurrence but a direct result of God's command and action. The "wind" (Hebrew: *ruach*) serves as a divine instrument, demonstrating God's complete control over the elements. This powerful current of air began the process of drying the earth, signaling the end of the destructive phase and the active commencement of the earth's renewal. It is a tangible sign of God's ongoing work in creation.
* **"and the waters asswaged;"** This final clause describes the immediate and tangible effect of God's intervention. The "asswaging" (subsiding) of the waters indicates a controlled and gradual decrease in their level, directly attributable to the wind God sent. This marks the physical turning point of the flood, as the earth slowly begins to re-emerge, becoming habitable once again. It is the visible manifestation of God's faithfulness and His commitment to restore life on the planet.

#### Literary Devices
[Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "God remembers Noah and begins the earth's restoration") employs several significant literary devices that enrich its theological impact. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "God remembered Noah." While God does not forget in a human sense, this language attributes a human-like action (remembering) to God to convey His active, purposeful, and compassionate engagement. This is not a lapse of divine memory but a deliberate shift in divine focus and action, moving from judgment to salvation. Another device is **Symbolism**, where the "wind" (`ruach`) acts as a powerful symbol of divine agency and life-giving power. Just as the `ruach` of God hovered over the waters at creation, here it signals a new act of creation and restoration, bringing order out of chaos. The entire verse functions as a **Turning Point** or **Narrative Pivot**, dramatically shifting the tone and direction of the flood narrative from the destructive phase to the restorative phase, signaling hope and new beginnings. This pivotal structure emphasizes the divine initiative in salvation and renewal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "God remembers Noah and begins the earth's restoration") is a profound theological statement, revealing God's active faithfulness and sovereign control over creation. The "remembrance" of Noah signifies God's unwavering commitment to His covenant purposes, even in the midst of universal judgment. It underscores that God's actions are always deliberate and purposeful, moving from righteous wrath to redemptive grace. This verse establishes a crucial pattern: divine judgment is always followed by an act of divine remembrance and a pathway to new life for those who are faithful. It highlights that God's comprehensive care extends to all of creation, not just humanity, and that the process of salvation and restoration originates solely from His divine initiative and power.

* [Exodus 2:24](/exodus/2-24 "God remembers His covenant with Israel")
* [Psalm 104:3-4](/psalms/104-3-4 "God's control over the elements")
* [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18-19 "God doing a new thing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "God remembers Noah and begins the earth's restoration") offers profound comfort and assurance to believers navigating the "flood" seasons of their own lives. When circumstances feel overwhelming, chaotic, or destructive, this verse reminds us that God is never disengaged or forgetful. His "remembrance" of Noah signifies His active, compassionate, and perfectly timed intervention on behalf of His people. It encourages us to trust that even in the deepest trials, God is at work, orchestrating events to bring about relief, restoration, and new beginnings according to His divine plan. Just as the wind brought about the subsiding of the waters for Noah, God's Spirit is active in our lives, bringing order out of chaos and hope out of despair. This passage calls us to patient endurance, confident in the knowledge that God's faithfulness is unwavering, and His purposes for our good will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "flood" seasons are you currently experiencing in your life, and how does the concept of God "remembering" Noah offer you comfort or hope?**
* **In what ways have you seen God's active intervention (His "wind") in your circumstances, bringing about a turning point or assuaging difficulties?**
* **How does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character, particularly His faithfulness and sovereignty during times of trial?**

### FAQ
**What does "God remembered Noah" truly imply?**

Answer: The phrase "God remembered Noah" (Hebrew: *zakhar*) does not suggest that God had forgotten Noah. Instead, it signifies God's active, purposeful attention and intervention on Noah's behalf. It means God was now acting decisively to fulfill His commitment to preserve Noah and to begin the process of restoring the earth, demonstrating His faithfulness and compassion. This "remembrance" is a divine turning point, initiating the next phase of His redemptive plan.

**Was the wind a natural phenomenon, or a miraculous intervention?**

Answer: While wind is a natural phenomenon, the text explicitly states "God made a wind to pass over the earth," indicating a direct, divine initiative. This was not a random meteorological event but a divinely orchestrated act, demonstrating God's sovereign control over creation to achieve His specific purpose of drying the earth and subsiding the waters. It highlights God's active involvement in the unfolding of His plan, a miraculous intervention that utilized natural means.

**How long was Noah in the ark before the waters began to subside?**

Answer: According to [Genesis 7:24](/genesis/7-24 "The duration of the flood's intensity"), the waters prevailed upon the earth for 150 days. [Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "God remembers Noah and begins the earth's restoration") describes the beginning of the waters assuaging after this period. The total time Noah spent in the ark from entry to exit was over a year, with the waters beginning to recede after the initial 150 days of their prevalence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "God remembers Noah and begins the earth's restoration") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God "remembered" Noah and initiated a new creation after the judgment of the flood, so too does God, in Christ, "remember" humanity and initiate a new covenant and a new creation that transcends the physical. The ark, a vessel of salvation through judgment, powerfully prefigures Christ, who is our ultimate ark, delivering us from the judgment of sin and death. As [1 Peter 3:20-21](/1_peter/3-20-21 "Baptism and salvation through Christ") alludes, Noah's salvation through water foreshadows the salvation found in baptism, which is a symbol of our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. The subsiding waters and the promise of a new beginning in Genesis point directly to the new heavens and new earth established through Christ's redemptive work, where sin and death are definitively overcome ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "New heavens and new earth")). Christ is the one through whom God's faithfulness is perfectly demonstrated, bringing forth not just a physical restoration of the earth, but a spiritual regeneration for all who believe, ushering in an eternal new beginning and making all things new ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New creation in Christ")). He is the mediator of a better covenant, founded on better promises ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, the mediator of a better covenant")), ensuring God's remembrance of His people is eternally secured in Him.

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 30:22

And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.

Genesis 19:29

And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

Exodus 2:24

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

1 Samuel 1:19

¶ And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.

Psalms 136:23

¶ Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

Exodus 14:21

¶ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.

Psalms 106:4

Remember me, O LORD, with the favour [that thou bearest unto] thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;