What number verse is Genesis 8:13 in the Bible?

Genesis 8:13 is the 197th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Genesis 8:13 sits at position 197.

8:128:12 8:148:14

Genesis 8:13

“The Earth Dries Completely”· Genesis 8:13–14Read in context

King James Version

¶ 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.

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KJV (with Strong's)

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.

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Complete Jewish Bible

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.

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Berean Standard Bible

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.

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American Standard Version

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.

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World English Bible Messianic

In the six hundred first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from the earth. Noah removed the covering of the ship, and looked. He saw that the surface of the ground was dried.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And in the sixe hundreth and one yeere, in the first day of the first moneth the waters were dryed vp from off the earth: and Noah remoued the couering of the Arke and looked, and beholde, the vpper part of the ground was drie.

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Young's Literal Translation

And it cometh to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month , in the first of the month, the waters have been dried from off the earth; and Noah turneth aside the covering of the ark, and looketh, and lo, the face of the ground hath been dried.

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Translation

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Summary

Genesis 8:13 marks a profound turning point in the biblical flood narrative, precisely detailing the culmination of God's judgment and the dawning of a new era for life on a cleansed earth. This verse meticulously records the exact moment the earth's surface became dry, highlighting God's faithfulness in bringing His redemptive plan to fruition and Noah's diligent discernment in observing the unfolding of divine providence.

Context

Literary Context

Genesis 8:13 serves as a crucial chronological and narrative hinge within the extensive flood account (Genesis 6-9). Preceded by the gradual recession of the waters and Noah's experimental sending out of birds (a raven and doves in Genesis 8:6-12), this verse marks the definitive end of the flood's destructive phase. It immediately precedes God's explicit command for Noah and all living creatures to exit the ark (Genesis 8:15-19), setting the stage for the establishment of the Noahic Covenant in Genesis 9. The precise dating underscores the deliberate, controlled nature of God's actions throughout this epic event, moving from judgment to restoration.

Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, catastrophic floods were common motifs in various mythologies, but the biblical account of Noah's flood stands apart due to its monotheistic framework, moral purpose, and meticulous chronology. The act of Noah removing the ark's covering and observing the dry ground would have been an act of profound relief and anticipation after more than a year confined within the vessel. Life aboard the ark would have been a unique, isolated existence, completely cut off from the familiar world. The drying of the earth signified not merely the end of a natural disaster, but the conclusion of a divine judgment and the beginning of a fresh start for humanity and all creation, a return to the possibility of cultivating the land and re-establishing society.

Key Themes

This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over creation and judgment, demonstrating His ability to bring about both destruction and restoration with precise timing. The prolonged period of waiting in the ark, culminating in the dry ground, emphasizes the theme of divine patience and faithfulness, as God "remembered Noah" (Genesis 8:1) and brought His promises to pass. Furthermore, Noah's proactive observation, even while awaiting God's ultimate command, highlights the theme of human responsibility and discernment in cooperating with God's unfolding plan. Ultimately, the dry ground signals a new beginning and the anticipation of a covenant of grace, setting the stage for the repopulation of the earth and the establishment of God's enduring promises.

Exposition and Analysis

Genesis 8:13 meticulously records the turning point in the flood narrative, stating, "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." This precise dating emphasizes God's sovereign control over the entire process, from the flood's onset to its recession. Noah's action of "removed the covering" suggests a deliberate and significant effort to gain a clear, direct view of the earth, perhaps by removing a large section of the ark's roof or a substantial hatch, rather than just opening a small window. This demonstrates his prudent observation and preparation for the next stage of God's plan.

Key Word Analysis

dried up chârab' H2717

Meaning "to parch (through drought) i.e. (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill; decay, (be) desolate, destroy(-er), (be) dry (up), slay, [idiom] surely, (lay, lie, make) waste." In this context, it signifies a complete desiccation of the land, rendering it habitable once more. It implies a thorough and irreversible process, not merely a temporary recession of water, ensuring the earth's readiness for life to resume.

removed çûwr' H5493

Meaning "to turn off (literal or figurative); be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without." Noah's act of removing the covering was a deliberate, active turning away or taking off of an obstruction, allowing him to directly assess the conditions outside the ark. This was not a passive observation but a decisive action.

ground ʼădâmâh' H127

Meaning "soil (from its general redness); country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land." This specific term for "ground" or "soil" emphasizes the tangible, arable surface of the earth, ready for cultivation and habitation. It contrasts with the vast, undifferentiated waters, signaling the return of the foundational element for human and animal life.

Verse Breakdown

"And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first [month], the first [day] of the month"

This opening clause provides an exceptionally precise chronological marker, anchoring the event in time relative to Noah's life and the flood's onset. This meticulous dating underscores the historical nature of the account and God's sovereign control over the timing of all events, emphasizing divine intentionality and purpose.

"the waters were dried up from off the earth"

This declares the primary outcome of the preceding months of recession. The use of "dried up" (chârab) indicates a complete desiccation, not merely a lowering of water levels, signifying that the earth was now truly ready for habitation. This is a divine act, the culmination of God's work in preparing the world for renewed life.

"and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked"

This highlights Noah's active role. After the initial signs from the birds, Noah takes the initiative to directly observe the conditions. "Removed the covering" (mikçeh) implies a significant opening, likely a large part of the roof or a substantial hatch, indicating a deliberate and thorough inspection rather than a casual glance through a small opening. His "looking" is an act of careful assessment.

"and, behold, the face of the ground was dry"

This final phrase confirms Noah's observation and reiterates the central fact. "The face of the ground" (pânîym ʼădâmâh) is a vivid anthropomorphic expression, picturing the earth's surface as having a visible "face" that was now clearly revealed and dry. The "behold" conveys a sense of wonder and confirmation, marking the definitive end of the flood's dominion.

Literary Devices

The text of Genesis 8:13 employs several significant literary devices. Chronology is paramount, with the precise dating ("six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day") serving to ground the narrative in a historical framework and emphasize the meticulousness of divine timing. This detailed temporal marker lends an air of veracity and divine orchestration to the event. Anthropomorphism is present in the phrase "the face of the ground," which personifies the earth's surface, making its condition more immediate and tangible for the reader. This imagery evokes a sense of the earth revealing itself, no longer obscured by water. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Repetition of the concept of "dryness" ("waters were dried up" and "the face of the ground was dry"), reinforcing the central message of the earth's complete desiccation and readiness for new life. This repetition emphasizes the definitive nature of the change and the certainty of Noah's observation.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Genesis 8:13 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign control over both judgment and restoration. The meticulous timing of the earth's drying underscores that God's plans unfold precisely according to His divine schedule, demonstrating His patience and commitment to His covenant purposes. This moment signifies the conclusion of a period of divine judgment and the beginning of a fresh opportunity for humanity, setting the stage for the establishment of a new covenant and the repopulation of the earth. It reminds us that even after the most severe trials, God is always working towards renewal and the fulfillment of His promises.

Isaiah 43:18-19 Revelation 21:1-5 Psalm 104:5-9

Reflection and Application

Genesis 8:13 offers profound lessons for believers today, particularly in navigating seasons of waiting and uncertainty. Just as Noah patiently endured over a year in the ark, trusting in God's timing, we are called to cultivate a similar trust, knowing that God's plans unfold according to His perfect schedule, even when circumstances seem prolonged or difficult. Noah's act of checking the ground, even before a direct command to exit, highlights the importance of wise discernment and active preparation. While we await God's clear direction, we should also diligently observe our circumstances and prepare ourselves for the next steps He reveals, ensuring we are not merely passive but prudently engaged with our present reality. Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful beacon of hope, reminding us that even after periods of intense trial and judgment, God unfailingly brings about new beginnings and opportunities for life and flourishing, reassuring us that seasons of difficulty are not permanent and that God is always working towards restoration and new creation.

Questions for Reflection

How does Noah's patient waiting in the ark, followed by his active observation, inform our own posture during seasons of uncertainty or prolonged waiting for God's direction?
In what ways can we, like Noah, practice wise discernment and preparation in our lives, even before receiving explicit commands or clear indications of God's next step?
How does the precise timing of the earth's drying in this verse strengthen your confidence in God's sovereignty and faithfulness in your own life's circumstances?

FAQ

Why is the chronology in Genesis 8:13 so precise?

The precise chronology in Genesis 8:13 and throughout the flood narrative serves several crucial purposes. Theologically, it underscores God's meticulous control over the entire event, from its beginning to its end, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Historically, it provides a detailed record, emphasizing the biblical account's claim to be a factual, historical narrative rather than a mere myth, giving it a sense of verifiability and concrete reality. It also highlights the immense duration of the flood and Noah's long endurance, making the eventual drying of the earth a more significant and anticipated event, a testament to the patience required in waiting for divine providence. This precision reinforces the idea that God acts with purpose and according to a divine timetable.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Genesis 8:13 profoundly foreshadows Christ's redemptive work by pointing to a new beginning emerging from divine judgment. Just as Noah and his family emerged from the ark onto a cleansed earth, signifying a fresh start for humanity after a deluge of divine judgment, so too does Christ usher in a "new creation" for those who are in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). The ark, which carried Noah through the waters of judgment to salvation, serves as a powerful type of Christ, who bears the judgment for sin on the cross and brings His people through death to new life. The dry ground in Genesis 8:13 anticipates the ultimate restoration and renewal found in Christ, where the "old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (Revelation 21:5). This finds its glorious culmination in the promise of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells, and God's presence will be fully realized among His people (Revelation 21:1-4). The dry ground is a promise of a world redeemed and renewed through the Lamb of God, who makes all things new.

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Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 8:13–14.

1662–1714 · 2 verses

Passage under commentGenesis 8:13–14

13¶ 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.

14And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth dried.

Here is, 1. The ground dry (Gen 8:13), that is, all the water carried off it, which, upon the first day of the first month (a joyful new-year's-day it was), Noah was himself an eye-witness of. He removed the covering of the ark, not the whole covering, but so much as would suffice to give him a prospect of the earth about it; and a most comfortable prospect he had. For behold, behold and wonder, the face of the ground was dry. Note, (1.) It is a great mercy to see ground about us. Noah was more sensible of it than we are; for mercies restored are much more affecting than mercies continued. (2.) The divine power which now renewed the face of the earth can renew the face of an afflicted troubled soul and of a distressed persecuted church. He can make dry ground to appear even where it seemed to have been lost and forgotten, Psa 18:16. 2. The ground dried (Gen 8:14), so as to be a fit habitation for Noah. Observe, Though Noah saw the ground dry the first day of the first month, yet God would not suffer him to go out of the ark till the twenty-seventh day of the second month. Perhaps Noah, being somewhat weary of his restraint, would have quitted the ark at first; but God, in kindness to him, ordered him to stay so much longer. Note, God consults our benefit rather than our desires; for he knows what is good for us better than we do for ourselves, and how long it is fit our restraints should continue and desired mercies should be delayed. We would go out of the ark before the ground is dried: and perhaps, if the door be shut, are ready to remove the covering, and to climb up some other way; but we should be satisfied that God's time of showing mercy is certainly the best time, when the mercy is ripe for us and we are ready for it.

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Historical interpretation

Historical Reception

One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.

1 quote · AD 735

AD 735BedeEarly MedievalSourceCommentary on Genesis (Hexaemeron)

Therefore, in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, on the first day of the month, the waters were dried from the earth; and Noah, opening the covering of the ark, looked out and saw that the surface of the ground was dry. The covering of the ark refers to its uppermost plank, about which it was previously said: "And you shall finish the ark to within a cubit from the top." In this roof, namely a cubit in length and width, we have said that the Mediator between God and men is symbolically represented, who willed thus to be humanly joined to the members of His Church, so as to distinctly transcend it by the dignity of His dominion and protect it from above in its entirety. However, Noah opened this roof after the flood had receded, because after the celebration of the sacrament of baptism, it is necessary for the mysteries from the time of the Lord's Incarnation to be diligently disclosed by the mouths of teachers to each of the faithful, so that knowing what He did or taught in the flesh, they might follow His footsteps by imitating them to the extent of their ability. And it is most fitting that this is said to have occurred on the first day of the first month after six hundred years, to show the beginning of the new spiritual life that was to be initiated by the faithful. Indeed, the same month in the law in which the Passover is commanded to be observed is called the month of new things, due to the great sacrament of renewing our old life in the passion of Christ.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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