Genesis 8:13

KJV

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/genesis/8-6-12 "Noah Sends Out Birds")), 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](/genesis/8-15-19 "God Commands Noah to Exit the Ark")), setting the stage for the establishment of the Noahic Covenant in [Genesis 9](/genesis/9 "The Noahic Covenant"). 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](/genesis/8-1 "God Remembers Noah")) 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 (Hebrew, _chârab'_):** From 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 (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** From 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 (Hebrew, _ʼădâmâh'_):** From 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](/isaiah/43-18-19 "God's New Work of Redemption")
* [Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "New Heaven, New Earth, and God's Dwelling with Humanity")
* [Psalm 104:5-9](/psalms/104-5-9 "God's Sovereignty Over Creation and the Waters")

### 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?**

Answer: The precise chronology in [Genesis 8:13](/genesis/8-13 "Chronology of the Flood") 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](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")). 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](/genesis/8-13 "The Promise of Restoration") anticipates the ultimate restoration and renewal found in Christ, where the "old has passed away; behold, the new has come" ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Behold, I Am Making All Things New")). 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](/revelation/21-1-4 "New Heaven and New Earth and God with Humanity")). The dry ground is a promise of a world redeemed and renewed through the Lamb of God, who makes all things new.

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 7:11

¶ 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.