Genesis 8:1

¶ 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;

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};

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.

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.

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

Genesis 8:1 marks a pivotal turning point in the biblical account of the Great Flood, shifting the narrative from divine judgment to divine remembrance and restoration. After months of being confined within the ark, Noah, his family, and all the creatures receive a clear sign of God's active intervention and care.

Context

This verse follows the intense period of the global deluge, described in detail in Genesis chapters 6 and 7. The flood had covered the highest mountains, and all life outside the ark had perished. Noah and those with him had been afloat for 150 days (Genesis 7:24), experiencing the full extent of God's judgment on a corrupt world. Genesis 8:1 signals the end of the destructive phase and the beginning of the earth's renewal, highlighting God's steadfast attention to His creation and His chosen ones even amidst widespread desolation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Remembrance and Faithfulness: The phrase "God remembered Noah" is central. This does not imply God had forgotten, but rather signifies His active, purposeful attention and intervention on behalf of those He had preserved. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His deep compassion for His creation, even in the midst of judgment.
  • Divine Initiative and Control: The verse emphasizes God's direct action: "God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged." This shows that the abatement of the flood was not a natural occurrence independent of God's will, but a direct result of His sovereign command. It demonstrates God's complete control over creation, including the elements.
  • Hope and New Beginnings: After a period of overwhelming destruction, this verse introduces a tangible sign of hope. The subsiding waters point towards a new beginning for Noah and for the earth, setting the stage for the post-flood world and the establishment of God's covenant with humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "remembered" is zakhar (זָכַר). In biblical usage, zakhar implies more than a mental recollection; it often denotes an active, compassionate engagement that leads to specific action, usually in fulfillment of a promise or covenant. For instance, God "remembered" His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when He saw the affliction of Israel in Egypt (Exodus 2:24). Here, it signifies God's active fulfillment of His commitment to Noah's preservation and the eventual re-establishment of life on earth.

The word "asswaged" (KJV) comes from the Hebrew shakhakh (שָׁכַךְ), meaning "to subside," "to abate," or "to sink down." It suggests a gradual but definite decrease in the water level, initiated and controlled by God.

Practical Application

Genesis 8:1 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers today. It reminds us that even when life seems overwhelming, chaotic, or destructive, God is always at work. He "remembers" His people and His promises, acting on their behalf with perfect timing and sovereign power. This verse encourages us to trust in God's active care during our own "flood" seasons, knowing that He is faithful to bring about relief, restoration, and new beginnings according to His divine plan.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 30:22 (17 votes)

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

  • Genesis 19:29 (17 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 1:19 (14 votes)

    ¶ 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 (14 votes)

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

  • Exodus 14:21 (11 votes)

    ¶ 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 (9 votes)

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