Genesis 8:10

And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;

And he stayed {H2342} yet other {H312} seven {H7651} days {H3117}; and again {H3254} he sent forth {H7971} the dove {H3123} out of the ark {H8392};

He waited another seven days and again sent the dove out from the ark.

Noah waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark.

And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;

Commentary

Genesis 8:10 continues the narrative of Noah and the ark after the great Flood, focusing on Noah's careful and patient efforts to determine when the earth was dry enough to disembark.

Context

This verse follows Noah's first sending of the dove, which returned because it found no rest for the sole of its foot (Genesis 8:9). Prior to that, Noah had sent forth a raven (Genesis 8:7). The ark had rested on the mountains of Ararat, and the waters were gradually receding. Noah's repeated actions demonstrate his reliance on observation and divine guidance as he waited for God's clear signal to leave the ark.

Key Themes

  • Patience and Perseverance: Noah's decision to "stay yet other seven days" highlights his unwavering patience and endurance. He didn't rush the process but waited for clear signs, trusting in God's timing. This methodical approach underscores the importance of waiting on God's perfect plan to unfold.
  • Discernment and Observation: The act of sending forth the dove again is a practical measure of discernment. Noah used the dove as a natural barometer to gauge the state of the earth, demonstrating a blend of faith and wise observation.
  • Divine Timing: The recurring "seven days" motif in this chapter (Genesis 8:10, 8:12) suggests a divinely ordained rhythm to the drying of the earth and the unfolding of God's new beginning. It implies that key stages of God's work often occur within specific, complete periods.
  • Hope and Anticipation: Each release of the dove was an act of hope, a tangible expression of Noah's longing for a habitable world and the end of their confinement in the ark.

Linguistic Insights

The repetition of "seven days" (Hebrew: shiv'at yamim) is significant. In biblical contexts, the number seven often represents completeness, perfection, or a cycle of divine activity (e.g., the seven days of creation in Genesis 2:2). Here, it emphasizes a deliberate, measured waiting period, not random intervals, suggesting a purposeful unfolding of events under God's control.

Practical Application

Genesis 8:10 offers profound lessons for believers today. It encourages us to cultivate patience in times of uncertainty, reminding us that God's timing is always perfect, even when it feels slow to us. Like Noah, we are called to be discerning, using wisdom and observation in our circumstances while steadfastly trusting in God's ultimate guidance. It teaches us that waiting is not passive but an active posture of faith, marked by persistent hope and a readiness to act when God reveals the next step. Just as the dove's return with an olive leaf signaled new life (Genesis 8:11), our patient waiting often precedes breakthroughs and fresh beginnings.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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 7:4

    For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.

  • Romans 8:25

    But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].

  • Isaiah 26:8

    Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of [our] soul [is] to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.

  • Genesis 7:10

    And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth.

  • Isaiah 8:17

    And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.

  • Psalms 40:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

  • Genesis 8:12

    And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him any more.
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