Genesis 8:13 | Bible Study Tools

¶ And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first [month], the first [day] of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.

And it came to pass in the six ^{H8337} hundredth ^{H3967} and first year ^{H8141}, in the first ^{H7223} month, the first ^{H259} day of the month ^{H2320}, the waters ^{H4325} were dried up ^{H2717} from off the earth ^{H776}: and Noah ^{H5146} removed ^{H5493} the covering ^{H4372} of the ark ^{H8392}, and looked ^{H7200}, and, behold, the face ^{H6440} of the ground ^{H127} was dry ^{H2717}.

By the first day of the first month of the 601st year the water had dried up from off the earth; so Noach removed the covering of the ark and looked; and, yes, the surface of the ground was dry.

In Noah’s six hundred and first year, on the first day of the first month, the waters had dried up from the earth. So Noah removed the covering from the ark and saw that the surface of the ground was dry.

And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dried.

Commentary

Genesis 8:13 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical account of the Great Flood, signifying the beginning of the end of the global deluge and the promise of a new start for humanity and all living creatures.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse provides a precise chronological marker: the six hundredth and first year of Noah's life, on the first day of the first month. This date is exactly one year and ten days after the floodwaters first burst forth upon the earth (Genesis 7:11). After months of the ark floating and the waters gradually receding, Noah, having previously sent out a raven and doves to gauge the conditions, takes the proactive step of removing a portion of the ark's covering. This act, likely a part of the roof or a large hatch, allowed him a direct, unobstructed view of the earth's surface, confirming what the previous signs had suggested: the ground was finally dry.

Key Themes and Messages

Divine Faithfulness and Patience: The meticulous chronology highlights God's sovereign control over the entire process. He "remembered Noah" (Genesis 8:1) and orchestrated the drying of the earth with perfect timing. Noah's long wait in the ark underscores the theme of divine patience and the certainty of God's promises.
A New Beginning: This verse is a powerful symbol of hope and a fresh start. The dry ground signals the imminent end of the judgment and the opportunity for life to flourish again on a cleansed earth. It sets the stage for God's covenant with Noah and the repopulation of the world (Genesis 9:1).
Noah's Prudence and Observation: While Noah waited for God's explicit command to leave the ark (Genesis 8:16), his action of removing the covering demonstrates wise observation and discernment. He actively assessed the situation, preparing for the next step in God's plan.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "were dried up" is yabshu (יבשו), indicating a complete drying, not just a lowering of water levels. The phrase "removed the covering" (יסר את מכסה – yasar et mikseh) suggests a deliberate and significant action by Noah to gain a clear view, perhaps by taking off a portion of the roof or a large hatch, rather than simply opening a small window. This emphasizes his desire for certainty before taking further action.

Practical Application

Genesis 8:13 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

Trust in God's Timing: Just as Noah waited patiently for over a year, we are reminded to trust in God's perfect timing, even when circumstances seem prolonged or uncertain. His plans unfold according to His divine schedule.
Discernment and Preparation: Noah's act of checking the ground demonstrates the importance of wise discernment and preparation. While we wait for God's clear direction, we should also actively observe and prepare for the next steps He reveals.
Hope After Hardship: This verse is a beacon of hope, showing that even after periods of intense trial and judgment, God brings about new beginnings and opportunities for life and flourishing. It reassures us that seasons of difficulty are not permanent and that God is always working towards restoration.

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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 7:11

¶ In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.