Genesis 8:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the second {H8145} month {H2320}, on the seven {H7651} and twentieth {H6242} day {H3117} of the month {H2320}, was the earth {H776} dried {H3001}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was on the twenty-seventh day of the second month that the earth was dry.

Berean Standard Bible

By the twenty-seventh day of the second month, the earth was fully dry.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 8:14](/genesis/8-14 "The earth is dried after the Flood") marks a pivotal moment in the biblical flood narrative, precisely detailing the exact date—the twenty-seventh day of the second month—when the earth was completely dry after over a year of submersion. This verse signals the definitive conclusion of divine judgment through the flood and prepares the way for Noah and his family to disembark from the ark, commencing a new era of life on a restored world.

### CONTEXT
This verse concludes a meticulous chronological account of the [Great Flood](/genesis/7-11 "The beginning of the Great Flood"), which began in [Genesis 7:11](/genesis/7-11 "The start of the Great Flood"). Following months of receding waters, Noah's repeated sending of birds, including the dove's return with an olive leaf in [Genesis 8:11](/genesis/8-11 "The dove returns with an olive leaf"), indicated the diminishing floodwaters. [Genesis 8:14](/genesis/8-14 "The earth is dried") serves as the definitive timestamp for the earth's complete desiccation, setting the stage for God's command to Noah to leave the ark in [Genesis 8:15](/genesis/8-15 "God commands Noah to leave the ark") and re-establish life. This precise dating underscores the historical and purposeful nature of God's judgment and subsequent restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse, "[And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth dried](/genesis/8-14 'The earth is dried after the Flood')," provides a remarkably specific chronological detail. This precision, characteristic of biblical historical narratives, emphasizes the factual and verifiable nature of the flood account. The "second month" and "seven and twentieth day" refer to the civil calendar, marking the culmination of a period exceeding one year since the flood's onset in the seventeenth day of the second month of the previous year ([Genesis 7:11](/genesis/7-11 "The start of the Flood")). This extended duration highlights the thoroughness of God's judgment and the patience required of Noah and those with him on the ark.

The Hebrew phrase "וַתִּבַשׁ הָאָרֶץ" (*vat-tivash ha'aretz*), translated as "was the earth dried," signifies that the land had become sufficiently dry to be habitable and traversable again. This was not merely a reduction in water levels but a complete drying, indicating the ground was firm and ready for the re-establishment of life outside the ark. This state of dryness was the divine prerequisite for the next phase of God's plan for humanity and creation, demonstrating God's meticulous preparation for the new beginning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty and Precision:** The meticulous chronological record throughout the flood narrative, culminating in [Genesis 8:14](/genesis/8-14 "The earth is dried"), powerfully demonstrates God's absolute control over natural processes and His perfect timing in executing both judgment and restoration.
* **Completion of Judgment and New Beginning:** This verse marks the definitive end of the period of divine judgment through the flood. It signals the transition from devastation to a renewed, habitable world, ready for a fresh start for humanity and all living creatures under a new covenant ([Genesis 9:1-17](/genesis/9-1 "God's covenant with Noah")).
* **God's Faithfulness and Preservation:** Despite the severity of the judgment, God remained faithful to His promise to preserve Noah and his family. The drying of the earth is a tangible manifestation of His commitment to life and His covenant with creation, paving the way for the establishment of a new world order.
* **Patience and Waiting:** The extended period Noah and his family spent on the ark, culminating in this verse, underscores the theme of patient waiting on God's timing, even when circumstances are uncertain or prolonged.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 8:14](/genesis/8-14 "The earth is dried") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as Noah waited patiently for over a year for the earth to dry completely, we are called to trust God's perfect timing in our own lives, especially during prolonged periods of difficulty, uncertainty, or transition. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that even after the most devastating "floods" of life—whether personal trials, societal upheaval, or spiritual wilderness—God faithfully brings about a "dry land," a new opportunity, and a fresh start according to His sovereign plan. It encourages perseverance and unwavering faith, assuring us that God will complete what He has begun, leading us into new seasons of hope and restoration.

### FAQ

**Why is the date in Genesis 8:14 so specific?**

Answer: The specific chronological details throughout the flood narrative, including [Genesis 8:14](/genesis/8-14 "The earth is dried"), serve to emphasize the historical reality and precision of the events. This meticulous dating lends credibility to the biblical account, presenting it not as a mythical tale but as a significant, divinely orchestrated event in the early history of the world, highlighting God's direct involvement and control.

**How long did Noah and his family remain on the ark?**

Answer: By calculating the dates provided in [Genesis 7:11](/genesis/7-11 "The start of the Flood") (the 17th day of the second month) and [Genesis 8:14](/genesis/8-14 "The earth is dried") (the 27th day of the second month of the following year), it is clear that Noah and his family were on the ark for approximately one year and ten days. The disembarkation occurs shortly after this, as commanded by God in [Genesis 8:15-19](/genesis/8-15 "God commands Noah to leave the ark").

**What does "was the earth dried" imply about its condition?**

Answer: The phrase "was the earth dried" (Hebrew: *vat-tivash ha'aretz*) indicates that the land was not merely free of standing water, but had become firm, stable, and habitable. It implies the ground was solid enough to support the weight of humans and animals, and suitable for the re-establishment of vegetation and life outside the ark, signifying a complete restoration of the earth's surface.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 8:14](/genesis/8-14 "The earth is dried") describes a physical drying of the earth, it powerfully foreshadows the spiritual new beginnings and ultimate restoration found in Jesus Christ. Just as the earth emerged from the judgment of the flood into a renewed state, humanity, through Christ, is delivered from the judgment of sin into new life. Christ is the ultimate "dry ground" of salvation, offering refuge and a fresh start after the deluge of sin. His death and resurrection mark the definitive end of the old order of sin and death, inaugurating a new creation where believers are brought into a restored relationship with God, anticipating the final new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "A new heaven and a new earth")). He is the faithful One who brings all things to their appointed completion, ensuring a secure foundation for those who trust in Him.

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.