Genesis 8:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 8:10 meticulously records Noah's continued exercise of patience and methodical discernment during the post-Flood period, specifically detailing his second seven-day waiting interval before dispatching the dove from the ark. This verse underscores Noah's reliance on observable signs and divine timing as he diligently sought confirmation that the earth was sufficiently dry for disembarkation, highlighting a profound trust in God's unfolding plan amidst prolonged confinement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic narrative of the Great Flood's aftermath, following the ark's resting on the mountains of Ararat and the gradual recession of the waters. Prior to this, Noah had already sent forth a raven, which flew back and forth but did not return to the ark permanently, indicating only that some land was exposed but not necessarily dry enough for habitation ([Genesis 8:7 "Noah sends the raven and then the dove"](/genesis/8-7)). Immediately preceding our verse, Noah had sent out a dove for the first time, which returned to him because it found "no rest for the sole of her foot," signifying that the ground was still covered with water ([Genesis 8:9 "The first sending of the dove"](/genesis/8-9)). Genesis 8:10 thus marks a deliberate, patient continuation of Noah's investigative actions, occurring after a specific waiting period and setting the stage for the dove's eventual return with an olive leaf in [Genesis 8:11 "The dove returns with an olive leaf"](/genesis/8-11), which signals a significant turning point.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of sending birds to scout conditions was a practical and logical method in ancient times, especially for those confined or navigating unknown territories. Noah's use of a raven (a scavenger) and then a dove (known for its homing instinct and sensitivity to its environment) demonstrates a shrewd understanding of animal behavior for a specific purpose. The ark itself, as described in [Genesis 6:14-16 "God's instructions for building the ark"](/genesis/6-14-16), was a vessel designed for survival, not exploration, necessitating external means to assess the world outside. The concept of a global flood, while unique in its biblical scope, resonates with numerous ancient Near Eastern flood narratives, though the Genesis account emphasizes God's righteous judgment and covenantal faithfulness. The "seven days" motif, prevalent throughout the biblical narrative, carries significant weight, often denoting completeness, divine action, or a sacred cycle, reflecting a cultural understanding of time and divine order.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 8:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Flood narrative and the broader book of Genesis. **Patience and Perseverance** are vividly displayed in Noah's repeated, methodical waiting periods, underscoring the importance of enduring faith even when God's timing seems protracted. The theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Discernment** is also prominent; while God is in ultimate control of the waters' recession, Noah actively engages in discerning the opportune moment for disembarkation through practical observation. This period of waiting and testing also reinforces the theme of **New Creation**, as the earth is being prepared for a fresh start, a new beginning for humanity and all living creatures, echoing the original creation account found in [Genesis 1 "The Creation Account"](/genesis/1). Furthermore, the recurring "seven days" motif highlights **God's Ordered Providence**, demonstrating that God's work unfolds according to a precise and purposeful divine calendar, rather than arbitrary events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 8:10, though brief, is rich with meaning, revealing Noah's character, God's providential working, and significant thematic undertones.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stayed (Hebrew, _chûwl'_):** This word (H2342) implies more than passive waiting; it can mean "to twist or whirl," "to writhe in pain," or figuratively, "to wait carefully" or "to hope." In this context, it conveys an active, expectant waiting, a deliberate tarrying with a purpose. Noah's "staying" is not idleness but a patient endurance, a hopeful anticipation of God's next move. It suggests a process of "forming" or "shaping" the next stage of God's plan through patient observation.
* **seven days (Hebrew, _shebaʻ'_ and _yôwm'_):** The combination of H7651 (shebaʻ, "seven") and H3117 (yôwm, "day") is highly significant. "Seven" often represents completeness, perfection, or a sacred cycle in biblical numerology, as seen in the seven days of creation. "Day" refers to a specific period of time. The phrase "seven days" here denotes a full, deliberate, and divinely ordained cycle of waiting, emphasizing that Noah's actions were not impulsive but followed a measured, purposeful rhythm, reflecting God's own ordered work.
* **sent forth (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This verb (H7971) means "to send away, for, or out," with a wide range of applications including "to cast out," "to let depart," or "to spread." Here, it signifies a purposeful dispatch, an active sending out of the dove with a specific mission—to scout the conditions of the earth. It is a deliberate action taken by Noah to gain information, demonstrating his active role in discerning God's timing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he stayed yet other seven days":** This clause emphasizes Noah's deliberate patience and adherence to a recurring pattern. The word "other" (H312, _ʼachêr'_) highlights that this was a *second* such seven-day interval, following the first sending of the dove. This repetition reinforces the idea of a methodical, unhurried process, demonstrating Noah's profound trust in God's timing and his refusal to act prematurely despite the long confinement. It suggests a divinely ordained rhythm to the unfolding of the new creation.
* **"and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;":** This second clause describes Noah's renewed action after the completion of the seven-day waiting period. The word "again" (H3254, _yâçaph'_) signifies a continuation or repetition of the previous action of sending the dove. This was not a random act but a calculated re-evaluation, building upon the inconclusive results of the first attempt. The dove, a creature known for its sensitivity to its environment and its need for a dry resting place, served as Noah's living barometer, a practical tool for discerning the state of the earth's surface. This action highlights Noah's active discernment and his reliance on observable signs in conjunction with his faith.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Repetition** is prominent with the phrase "seven days," which appears multiple times in this chapter (vv. 10, 12), underscoring the methodical nature of Noah's waiting and hinting at the biblical significance of the number seven as a symbol of completeness or divine cycles. **Symbolism** is also at play, particularly with the **dove** itself, which will later become a symbol of peace and new beginnings (in [Genesis 8:11 "The dove returns with an olive leaf"](/genesis/8-11)) and, much later, of the Holy Spirit. The **ark** serves as a symbol of divine preservation and temporary refuge, from which Noah is patiently seeking release. The entire sequence of sending out birds can be seen as a form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the eventual emergence into a new, cleansed world, and the establishment of a new covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 8:10 powerfully illustrates the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God controls the recession of the waters and the timing of the new beginning, Noah is not passive; he actively engages in discerning God's will through patient observation and methodical testing. This balance teaches us that faith is not merely waiting for a direct command but also wisely using the means God provides, including our intellect and the natural world, to understand His unfolding plan. The recurring "seven days" motif reinforces the theme of God's ordered and purposeful work, echoing the creation week and suggesting that God's redemptive plan, like His creative acts, unfolds in deliberate, complete cycles.

* [Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Wait on the Lord")
* [Lamentations 3:25-26](/lamentations/3-25-26 "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him")
* [Hebrews 6:15](/hebrews/6-15 "Abraham patiently endured")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 8:10 offers profound spiritual nourishment for believers navigating seasons of waiting, uncertainty, or transition. Noah's example challenges us to cultivate a deep, active patience rooted in trust, rather than passive resignation. In a world that often pressures us towards immediate gratification and impulsive action, Noah's methodical "staying" and repeated, measured discernment remind us that God's timing is perfect, even when it feels slow or prolonged from our perspective. We are called to be like Noah: not merely waiting, but waiting *well*—observing, praying, seeking wisdom, and preparing ourselves for God's next instruction. This verse encourages us to utilize the resources and wisdom God has given us (our "doves" of discernment) to understand our circumstances, while steadfastly anchoring our hope in His sovereign plan. Our patient endurance in waiting often serves as a crucible, refining our faith and preparing us for the new beginnings God has in store, just as Noah's waiting prepared him for the re-peopling of the earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently in a "waiting period" like Noah?**
* **How can you cultivate active patience and trust in God's timing, even when circumstances seem to drag on?**
* **What "doves" (means of discernment, wise counsel, biblical principles) is God providing for you to help you understand His will in your current situation?**
* **How does Noah's blend of faith and practical observation challenge your approach to discerning God's will?**

### FAQ
**Why did Noah wait "yet other seven days" before sending the dove again?**

Answer: The "seven days" motif is highly significant in biblical contexts, often symbolizing completeness, perfection, or a divinely ordained cycle. Noah's repeated seven-day intervals (seen again in [Genesis 8:12 "Noah waits seven more days"](/genesis/8-12)) demonstrate his methodical patience and profound trust in God's timing. It suggests that God's work unfolds in purposeful, measured stages rather than random occurrences, and Noah was aligning his actions with this divine rhythm, indicating a full, deliberate period of observation and waiting.

**Why did Noah send a dove again after the raven?**

Answer: Noah sent the raven first because as a scavenger, it could find sustenance on floating carcasses and simply fly back and forth, indicating only that *some* land might be exposed. The raven's behavior did not confirm the earth was dry enough for habitation. The dove, however, is known for its sensitivity to its environment and its need for a dry, stable resting place. Sending the dove was a more precise and reliable test to determine if the earth was truly dry and habitable, as it would only return if it found no suitable dry ground, as it did in [Genesis 8:9 "The first sending of the dove"](/genesis/8-9).

**Did Noah know the earth was drying before sending the dove?**

Answer: Yes, the narrative indicates that Noah had observed the waters receding. [Genesis 8:5 "The waters receded continually"](/genesis/8-5) explicitly states that "the waters were abated" and the tops of the mountains had become visible. However, Noah's actions with the birds were not to confirm if the waters were receding at all, but to discern the *extent* of the drying—specifically, whether the ground was firm and dry enough for disembarkation and for life to thrive outside the ark. He used the birds as a practical, observable means of assessment, blending his faith in God's process with wise, empirical observation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Noah's patient waiting in the ark, discerning the signs of a new beginning, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate new creation found in Christ. Just as Noah waited for the earth to be cleansed and prepared for new life, humanity awaited the coming of Christ to cleanse the world of sin and usher in the new covenant. The ark, a vessel of salvation through judgment, points to Christ as the ultimate refuge and means of salvation from God's wrath. The dove, a creature of peace and a symbol of new beginnings, anticipates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus at His baptism, signifying the inauguration of His ministry and the beginning of God's ultimate redemptive work in the world ([Matthew 3:16 "The Spirit descends like a dove"](/matthew/3-16)). In Christ, we find true rest and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, fulfilling the hope of a secure dwelling place that Noah sought for the sole of his foot. Christ is the "true Ark" who carries His people through the waters of judgment into the safety of God's eternal presence, providing the ultimate "rest for the sole of our foot" in Him ([Hebrews 4:9-10 "There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God"](/hebrews/4-9-10)). Through His finished work, the world is cleansed, and a new creation is made possible for all who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation"](/2_corinthians/5-17)).

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 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.