Genesis 8:2

KJV

The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained;

KJV (with Strong's)

The fountains {H4599} also of the deep {H8415} and the windows {H699} of heaven {H8064} were stopped {H5534}, and the rain {H1653} from heaven {H8064} was restrained {H3607};

Complete Jewish Bible

Also the fountains of the deep and the windows of the sky were stopped, the rain from the sky was restrained,

Berean Standard Bible

The springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained.

American Standard Version

the fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 8:2 marks the pivotal moment of divine intervention in the Great Flood, signifying God's active cessation of the torrential rains and the eruption of subterranean waters. This verse describes the decisive actions that initiated the earth's drying process, paving the way for Noah, his family, and all the animals to disembark from the ark and for a new chapter of life to begin on the cleansed earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic period of the global deluge, during which the "fountains of the great deep" and "windows of heaven" were opened to engulf the earth, as vividly described in [Genesis 7:11-12](/genesis/7-11-12 "The onset of the Flood"). The preceding verse, [Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "God remembers Noah"), states that God "remembered Noah," a profound theological statement indicating divine faithfulness and purpose. Genesis 8:2 then provides the concrete evidence of this remembrance, detailing God's direct and powerful actions to reverse the flood's destructive forces. This transition from judgment to restoration is central to the narrative of [Genesis 8](/genesis/8 "Genesis 8 - The Flood Recedes").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, cosmological understanding often envisioned the earth as a flat disk covered by a solid dome or "firmament" (the "expanse" in [Genesis 1:6-8](/genesis/1-6-8 "The creation of the firmament")), above which were vast celestial waters. The "windows of heaven" (or "floodgates") were conceived as openings in this firmament through which rain descended. Similarly, the "fountains of the deep" referred to the vast subterranean oceans believed to exist beneath the earth's surface, from which springs and rivers originated. This verse, therefore, describes God's direct control over both the celestial and terrestrial water reservoirs, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over the entire cosmos, a concept that would have resonated deeply with ancient audiences.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 8:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty**, illustrating God's complete control over creation, judgment, and salvation. Just as He initiated the flood, He orchestrates its precise cessation, affirming that natural forces are subject to His will and purpose, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 29:10](/psalm/29-10 "The Lord sits enthroned over the flood"). It also highlights the theme of **Judgment and Restoration**, marking the crucial transition from divine wrath to a new beginning for humanity through Noah's lineage. Furthermore, it underscores **God's Faithfulness and Remembrance**, as this act is a direct consequence of God "remembering" Noah, testifying to His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His people, as seen in His later covenant with Noah in [Genesis 9](/genesis/9 "God's Covenant with Noah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 8:2 precisely details God's deliberate actions to bring the overwhelming waters to a halt, reversing the destructive forces unleashed earlier. The verse highlights two primary sources of the floodwaters and their respective cessation.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fountains (Hebrew, _maʻyân'_):** From H4599, this word refers to a spring or well, often implying a source of water that gushes forth. In the context of "fountains of the deep," it vividly portrays the violent eruption of subterranean waters, suggesting a breaking open of the earth's crust to release vast reservoirs from beneath. Its cessation implies God's powerful act of sealing these geysers.
* **stopped (Hebrew, _çâkar'_):** From H5534, this primitive root means "to shut up" or "to close off." When applied to the "fountains of the deep" and "windows of heaven," it denotes a decisive, forceful, and complete sealing or blocking. This is not a gradual dissipation but an active, divine act of closure, emphasizing God's direct control over the flood's sources.
* **restrained (Hebrew, _kâlâʼ'_):** From H3607, this root means "to restrict," "hold back," or "withhold." Used specifically for the "rain from heaven," it signifies that God actively prevented any further precipitation. While "stopped" implies a sealing of openings, "restrained" speaks to the active cessation of the *flow* of water, demonstrating God's comprehensive control over every aspect of the deluge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fountains also of the deep":** This phrase refers to the vast subterranean water reservoirs that burst forth from beneath the earth's surface, contributing significantly to the floodwaters. In ancient cosmology, these were immense, hidden oceans.
* **"and the windows of heaven were stopped":** This describes the closing of the celestial floodgates, which had previously opened to unleash torrential rain. The imagery suggests a divine mechanism by which the atmospheric waters were held back, preventing any further downpour.
* **"and the rain from heaven was restrained":** This clause explicitly states the cessation of the precipitation itself. While the "windows" were closed, the "rain" was actively held back, emphasizing that God not only sealed the sources but also stopped the ongoing deluge from the sky.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey God's absolute sovereignty. **Merism** is evident in the pairing of "fountains of the deep" and "windows of heaven," which together represent all possible sources of water—from below the earth and from above the sky—thereby encompassing the totality of the floodwaters. This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's control. **Anthropomorphism** is present in the description of God "stopping" and "restraining" the waters, attributing human-like actions (sealing, holding back) to God to emphasize His direct, intentional, and powerful intervention. Furthermore, the imagery of "fountains" and "windows" functions as **Symbolism**, representing the chaotic, destructive forces unleashed by divine judgment, which are now brought under divine order and control.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 8:2 profoundly illustrates God's absolute dominion over creation, demonstrating that the forces of nature are entirely subject to His will and purpose. Just as He initiated the flood as an act of righteous judgment, He precisely orchestrates its cessation, affirming His sovereignty over both destruction and restoration. This divine action signifies the conclusion of God's wrath upon the wicked world and marks a crucial transition from a period of judgment to one of new beginnings, rooted in God's faithfulness to His covenant and His people.

* [Job 38:8-11](/job/38-8-11 "God's control over the sea")
* [Psalm 104:6-9](/psalm/104-6-9 "God setting boundaries for the waters")
* [Proverbs 8:27-29](/proverbs/8-27-29 "Wisdom present at creation, setting boundaries for the deep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 8:2 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that God is actively involved in the affairs of His creation and the lives of His people. Just as the global flood had a divine beginning and end, so too do seasons of difficulty, trial, or overwhelming circumstances in our lives. This verse assures us that God is in sovereign control of all circumstances and has a perfect timing for every situation. We can find immense hope and peace knowing that the same sovereign God who "stopped the fountains of the deep" and "restrained the rain" is fully aware of our struggles, hears our prayers, and actively works on our behalf. His ultimate promise of [never again destroying the earth by flood](/genesis/9-11 "God's covenant with Noah") stands as a testament to His enduring faithfulness and our ability to trust in His divine control, even when the "waters" of life seem overwhelming.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Genesis 8:2 challenge our understanding of natural phenomena and God's interaction with the physical world?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's timing for the "stopping" or "restraining" of difficult circumstances?**
* **How does God's active remembrance of Noah in Genesis 8:1, followed by His actions in verse 2, encourage you in your own walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**How did God "stop" the floodwaters according to Genesis 8:2?**

Answer: Genesis 8:2 describes God's direct and active intervention to cease the flood. It states that "the fountains also of the deep... were stopped" and "the rain from heaven was restrained." The Hebrew word for "stopped" (*çâkar*) implies a powerful sealing or blocking off of the subterranean water sources, while "restrained" (*kâlâʼ*) suggests actively holding back or preventing further rain from the "windows of heaven." This indicates a deliberate, powerful, and comprehensive act of God to close off both the earthly and atmospheric sources of the floodwaters, rather than a mere natural dissipation. This divine action underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all aspects of creation, from the depths of the earth to the heavens above, as seen throughout the narrative of [Genesis 7-8](/genesis/7-8 "The Flood and its Recession").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The cessation of the floodwaters in [Genesis 8:2](/genesis/8-2 "The Floodwaters Cease") serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate end of God's judgment and the dawning of a new creation found in Jesus Christ. Just as Noah and his family were preserved through the ark, a vessel of salvation that carried them through the waters of judgment, Christ is the ultimate "ark" of salvation, offering refuge from the judgment of sin. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ brings an end to the spiritual deluge of sin and death, initiating a new covenant and a new humanity. He is the one who "stops" the flow of divine wrath against those who believe in Him, ushering in an era of grace, restoration, and eternal life, far surpassing the temporary respite granted after the flood. As [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New creation in Christ") declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." This new creation, secured by Christ's triumph, is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of a world no longer under the shadow of judgment, but bathed in the light of His redeeming love, a theme beautifully captured in [Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "The new heaven and new earth").

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.

Matthew 8:26

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Matthew 8:27

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Job 37:11

Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:

Job 37:13

He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.

Proverbs 8:28

When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

Jonah 2:3

For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.