TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:
American Standard Version
And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:
World English Bible Messianic
At the end of forty days, Noah opened the window of the ship which he had made,
Geneva Bible (1599)
So after fourtie dayes, Noah opened the windowe of the Arke, which he had made,
Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, at the end of forty days, that Noah openeth the window of the ark which he made,
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In the KJVVerse 190 of 31,102
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Commentary on Genesis 8 verses 6–12
6 ¶ And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:
7 And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.
8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
9 But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark.
10 And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;
11 And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.
12 And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him any more.
We have here an account of the spies which Noah sent forth to bring him intelligence from abroad, a raven and a dove. Observe here,
I. That though God had told Noah particularly when the flood would come, even to a day (Gen 7:4), yet he did not give him a particular account by revelation at what times, and by what steps, it should go away, 1. Because the knowledge of the former was necessary to his preparing the ark, and settling himself in it; but the knowledge of the latter would serve only to gratify his curiosity, and the concealing of it from him would be the needful exercise of his faith and patience. And, 2. He could not foresee the flood, but by revelation; but he might, by ordinary means, discover the decrease of it, and therefore God was pleased to leave him to the use of them.
II. That though Noah by faith expected his enlargement, and by patience waited for it, yet he was inquisitive concerning it, as one that thought it long to be thus confined. Note, Desires of release out of trouble, earnest expectations of it, and enquiries concerning its advances towards us, will very well consist with the sincerity of faith and patience. He that believes does not make haste to run before God, but he does make haste to go forth to meet him, Isa 28:16. Particularly, 1. Noah sent forth a raven through the window of the ark, which went forth, as the Hebrew phrase is, going forth and returning, that is, flying about, and feeding on the carcases that floated, but returning to the ark for rest; probably not in it, but upon it. This gave Noah little satisfaction; therefore, 2. He sent forth a dove, which returned the first time with no good news, but probably wet and dirty; but, the second time, she brought an olive-leaf in her bill, which appeared to be first plucked off, a plain indication that now the trees, the fruit-trees, began to appear above water. Note here, (1.) That Noah sent forth the dove the second time seven days after the first time, and the third time was after seven days too; and probably the first sending of her out was seven days after the sending forth of the raven. This intimates that it was done on the sabbath day, which, it should seem, Noah religiously observed in the ark. Having kept the sabbath in a solemn assembly of his little church, he then expected special blessings from heaven, and enquired concerning them. Having directed his prayer, he looked up, Psa 5:3. (2.) The dove is an emblem of a gracious soul, which finding no rest for its foot, no solid peace or satisfaction in this world, this deluged defiling world, returns to Christ as to its ark, as to its Noah. The carnal heart, like the raven, takes up with the world, and feeds on the carrions it finds there; but return thou to thy rest, O my soul, to thy Noah, so the word is, Psa 116:7. O that I had wings like a dove, to flee to him! Psa 55:6. And as Noah put forth his hand, and took the dove, and pulled her in to him, into the ark, so Christ will graciously preserve, and help, and welcome, those that fly to him for rest. (3.) The olive-branch, which was an emblem of peace, was brought, not by the raven, a bird of prey, nor by a gay and proud peacock, but by a mild, patient, humble dove. It is a dove-like disposition that brings into the world earnests of rest and joy. (4.) Some make these things an allegory. The law was first sent forth like the raven, but brought no tidings of the assuaging of the waters of God's wrath, with which the world of mankind was deluged; therefore, in the fulness of time, God sent forth his gospel, as the dove, in the likeness of which the Holy Spirit descended, and this presents us with an olive-branch and brings in a better hope.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–12. Public domain.
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John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON GENESIS 26.12
But for the present we need to explain the reason why the bird [the raven] did not come back. Perhaps, with the waters subsiding, the bird, being unclean, happened upon corpses of men and beasts and, finding nourishment to its liking, stayed there! This would have been something that proved to be no little sign of hope and encouragement for the just man [if the raven had returned].
PrudentiusAD 410
SCENES FROM SACRED HISTORY 3
As a sign that the flood had abated
the dove is now bringing
Back to the ark in her beak
the budding green branch of an olive.
For the raven, held captive by gluttony,
clung to foul bodies,
While the dove brought back
the glad tidings of peace that was given.
JeromeAD 420
Hebrew Questions on Genesis
(Verse 6) After forty days, Noah opened the door of the ark which he had made, and released a raven, but it did not return to him until the waters had dried up from the earth. As for the dove, it is said differently: He released a raven, and it went out, going and coming back until the waters had dried up from the earth.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Genesis (Hexaemeron)
And when forty days had passed, Noah opened the window of the ark, which he had made, and sent out a raven, etc. We have spoken above about the window of the ark, which, after the flood has subsided, is opened, indicating the secret mysteries of the heavens, to which those baptized are especially initiated; but with these same sacraments some are led to the allurements of the world, others to works of piety; and these indeed are represented by the raven, those by the dove. The fact that forty days are completed by four tens indicates not unreasonably the fulfillment of the divine law, which is perfected by the grace of the gospel. For the law is contained in ten commandments: the doctrine of the gospel is described in four books, and rightly after the beginning of the tenth month, after the appearance of the peaks of the mountains, forty days pass, and so Noah, opening his window, revealed the entry of new light into the ark, because surely Christ revealed to the faithful the future life they are to receive, laid bare the pride of those who, placed outside the Church, boast of worldly glory, and also revealed to His faithful that the precepts of the law should be fulfilled, not by the power of human liberty, but by the gift of evangelical grace, which they deserve to know, as if the window, newly opened in the ark, reveals higher gifts of the heavenly homeland, but the same knowledge of heavenly gifts, as we have said, some use to their ruin, others to salvation; hence it is well said of the raven sent out from the ark.
BedeAD 735
Homilies on the Gospels, HOMILY XI. ON THE FEAST DAY OF THEOPHANY
Noah wanted to know how things stood on the face of the earth when the inundation had come to an end, and he sent forth a raven, which scorned to return to the ark, signifying those who, although they have been cleansed by the waters of baptism, nevertheless neglect putting off the very black dress of their old selves by living more faultlessly; and lest they deserve to be renewed by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, they at once fall away from the inmost unity of catholic peace and rest by following exterior things, that is, the desires of the world.
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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SUMMARY
Genesis 8:6 encapsulates a pivotal juncture in the unfolding flood narrative, meticulously detailing Noah's deliberate and measured assessment of the post-deluge world. This verse marks the initial, cautious step of interaction with the external environment after months of confinement within the ark, signaling the gradual transition towards the earth's repopulation and the dawn of a renewed covenantal relationship between God and humanity.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Genesis 8:6 is situated within the immediate aftermath of the global deluge, following the peak of the flood's destructive power, where the waters prevailed for 150 days over all the high mountains. The preceding verses detail God's merciful intervention as He remembered Noah, causing a wind to pass over the earth and the waters to recede. The ark's resting on the mountains of Ararat and the subsequent appearance of mountain peaks after 150 days set the stage for Noah's cautious actions. This verse specifically marks the culmination of a further 40-day waiting period after the land became visible, emphasizing Noah's methodical and patient approach to re-engaging with the world outside the ark.
Historical & Cultural Context: While the Genesis account stands unique in its monotheistic and moral dimensions, ancient Near Eastern cultures, such as those of Mesopotamia, also possessed flood narratives (e.g., the Epic of Gilgamesh, Atrahasis). These accounts often feature a chosen hero building a vessel to escape a divine judgment. In the biblical narrative, the ark, a massive, sealed vessel, represented a complete severance from the doomed world outside, designed for survival rather than navigation. The concept of a "window" (Hebrew: challôwn) in ancient structures was typically a small, often latticed opening for light and ventilation, not a large portal. Noah's act of opening this specific type of window reflects a practical, careful approach, consistent with the cautious re-engagement with a world that had undergone cataclysmic change, rather than a grand, immediate disembarkation.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Flood narrative and the book of Genesis. It highlights the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Human Obedience, as Noah continues to act in careful submission to God's implied timing, even after the initial direct commands for ark construction. The extended periods of waiting—the 150 days of prevailing waters and the subsequent 40 days before opening the window—underscore the theme of Patience and Prudence in discerning God's will and the right moment for action. Furthermore, Noah's cautious exploration signifies the Transition from Judgment to New Creation, moving from a world overwhelmed by divine wrath to one poised for renewal and the establishment of a new covenant.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative in Genesis 8:6 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. The recurring mention of Numbers and Symbolism, specifically the "forty days," is highly significant. In biblical literature, the number forty frequently symbolizes periods of testing, purification, or divine preparation (e.g., the forty years in the wilderness, Jesus' forty days of temptation). Here, it underscores a divinely ordained period of transition and patience. The Synecdoche of "opening the window" represents a larger action of cautious re-engagement with the world, where a part (the window) stands for the whole process of assessment. Furthermore, the narrative uses Subtlety and Understatement; a seemingly simple action like opening a window carries immense weight, marking the first physical interaction with a newly cleansed earth and setting the stage for humanity's future. The phrase "which he had made" also functions as a form of Emphasis, subtly highlighting Noah's obedient craftsmanship and ongoing stewardship, even in this moment of cautious exploration.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 8:6 serves as a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty, human responsibility, and the nature of divine timing. Noah's patient waiting and methodical actions underscore the principle that while God orchestrates grand redemptive plans, He often involves human agency in their unfolding. The 40-day period highlights a divine rhythm, where preparation and discernment are crucial before new beginnings. This verse illustrates that faith is not passive but involves active, prudent observation and measured steps, even in the midst of uncertainty. It speaks to the transition from a world under judgment to one poised for renewal, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His meticulous care for creation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Noah's actions in Genesis 8:6 offer timeless wisdom for contemporary believers navigating seasons of transition, uncertainty, or prolonged waiting. Like Noah, who emerged from a period of global judgment into a new, unknown world, we often face moments where the familiar has passed away, and the future remains unclear. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of patient discernment, resisting the urge for impulsive action. It teaches us to observe our circumstances carefully, to prayerfully seek God's timing, and to take measured, faith-filled steps rather than rushing ahead. Noah's prudence reminds us that spiritual maturity involves not just trusting God's promises but also wisely assessing the practical realities of our environment. Even in extended periods of confinement or trial, God is at work, preparing the ground for new opportunities and fresh beginnings, which require our active, yet discerning, participation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Noah wait specifically forty days after the mountaintops appeared?
Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state that God commanded this specific 40-day waiting period. However, the number forty frequently symbolizes a period of testing, purification, or preparation in Scripture, such as Israel's forty years in the wilderness or Jesus' forty days of temptation. Noah's decision to wait this duration demonstrates his prudence and patience, allowing ample time for the waters to recede further and the ground to dry sufficiently. It indicates a cautious and wise approach to discerning God's timing for a new beginning, reflecting a blend of faith and practical wisdom.
What was the purpose of Noah opening the window before sending out the birds?
Answer: Opening the window was a preliminary, cautious step before releasing the birds. It allowed Noah to visually assess the immediate external conditions—the ambient light, the quality of the air, and perhaps the visible state of the receding waters—without fully exposing the ark's interior to the still-unstable environment. This act of careful observation underscores Noah's methodical approach to determining the earth's readiness for habitation. It demonstrates a blend of faith in God's promise and practical wisdom in assessing the environment, serving as a precursor to the more definitive tests involving the raven and the dove.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Noah's cautious opening of the ark's window in Genesis 8:6 serves as a profound prefigurement of the new creation inaugurated through Jesus Christ. Just as Noah's actions marked the transition from a world judged by water to a new, habitable earth, Christ's redemptive work—His atoning death, victorious resurrection, and glorious ascension—ushers in a spiritual new creation for all who believe. In a profound sense, Christ Himself is the ultimate "window" through whom humanity can peer into God's ultimate redemptive plan and enter into a renewed, covenantal relationship with the Creator. The new covenant, established through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, offers not merely a return to a former state but a radical transformation, providing a secure "ark" of salvation for those who are in Christ. Through Him, we are granted access to the Father and the ultimate promise of a new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13), thereby fulfilling God's eternal purpose for humanity beyond the temporary reprieve of Noah's ark.