Genesis 8:6

KJV

¶ And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass at the end {H7093} of forty {H705} days {H3117}, that Noah {H5146} opened {H6605} the window {H2474} of the ark {H8392} which he had made {H6213}:

Complete Jewish Bible

After forty days Noach opened the window of the ark which he had built;

Berean Standard Bible

After forty days Noah opened the window he had made in the ark

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 8:6](/genesis/8-6 "Noah Opens the Ark Window") marks a pivotal moment in the flood narrative, detailing Noah's cautious and methodical assessment of the receding waters after months of confinement. This act signifies his first physical interaction with the external world post-deluge, setting the stage for the earth's repopulation and the inauguration of a new covenantal era.

### CONTEXT
Following the global flood, during which [the waters prevailed for 150 days](/genesis/7-24 "The Waters Prevailed for 150 Days") covering all high mountains, [God remembered Noah](/genesis/8-1 "God Remembers Noah"), causing the waters to gradually subside. The ark eventually came to rest on the mountains of Ararat, as recorded in [Genesis 8:4](/genesis/8-4 "The Ark Rests on Ararat"). The specific action in this verse occurs "at the end of forty days" after the mountain peaks became visible ([Genesis 8:5](/genesis/8-5 "The Mountain Tops Become Visible")), indicating a further period of patient observation and prudent waiting by Noah before taking decisive action.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 8:6](/genesis/8-6 "Noah Opens the Ark Window") states, "And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made." This seemingly simple action is profoundly significant. The phrase "at the end of forty days" denotes a precise interval following the emergence of the mountain peaks, as established in [Genesis 8:5](/genesis/8-5 "The Mountain Tops Become Visible"). This period underscores Noah's deliberate patience and measured approach; he did not hastily disembark but waited for a substantial duration, allowing the floodwaters to recede further and the ground to dry sufficiently. The number forty frequently appears in biblical narratives as a period of testing, purification, divine judgment, or preparation, suggesting a divinely ordained duration for this critical stage of the earth's restoration.

Noah's act of "opening the window" was a cautious, preliminary step. The Hebrew term for "window," *chalon* (חַלּוֹן), typically refers to a small opening, possibly hinged, designed for light or ventilation. This was not a grand egress but a careful reconnaissance, enabling Noah to assess external conditions—light, air quality, and the visible state of the receding waters—without fully exposing the ark's interior to the still-unstable environment. This detail highlights Noah's prudence and reliance on empirical observation, demonstrating a wise discernment rather than impulsive action. The concluding phrase, "which he had made," subtly emphasizes Noah's active role and responsibility in the ark's construction and ongoing maintenance, even as he faithfully operated under God's explicit command and protective hand. His actions exemplify a harmonious blend of human agency and obedient trust within God's overarching plan for a new beginning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Patience and Prudence:** Noah's prolonged waiting, including the specific 40-day period after the mountains appeared, exemplifies the virtues of patience and careful discernment. He did not rush to exit the ark but waited for God's timing and environmental indicators.
* **Observation and Testing:** Opening the window was a methodical step, preceding the sending out of birds ([Genesis 8:7-12](/genesis/8-7 "Noah Sends Out the Raven and Dove")). This illustrates Noah's reliance on empirical observation and sequential testing to ascertain the earth's readiness for habitation, serving as a model for wise decision-making rooted in both faith and practical wisdom.
* **Transition and New Beginnings:** This action marks a pivotal transition from the old, water-judged world to a new, emerging land. It represents a crucial step towards the fulfillment of God's post-flood command for humanity to "[be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth](/genesis/9-1 "God's Command to Be Fruitful and Multiply")" ([Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's Command to Be Fruitful and Multiply")).
* **Divine Timing and Human Responsibility:** While God sovereignly orchestrated the flood and its cessation, Noah's actions demonstrate the vital role of human responsibility in discerning God's timing and taking measured steps of faith and obedience within His divine plan.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Noah's actions in [Genesis 8:6](/genesis/8-6 "Noah Opens the Ark Window") provide profound lessons for believers today. In seasons of uncertainty, prolonged waiting, or confinement—analogous to Noah's time in the ark—we are called to cultivate patience and unwavering trust in God's perfect timing. Rather than impulsively rushing into new ventures, wisdom dictates that we carefully observe circumstances, prayerfully seek divine guidance, and take measured steps of faith. Just as Noah cautiously assessed the external world, we too should discern opportunities and challenges with prudence, recognizing that God is actively at work, even when His redemptive plans unfold slowly. This verse reminds us that even amidst extended trials, there is always a divinely appointed time for new beginnings and exploration, requiring our faithful and discerning participation.

### 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 (e.g., Israel's 40 years in the wilderness, Jesus' 40 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, indicating a cautious and wise approach to discerning God's timing for a new beginning.

**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, demonstrating a blend of faith in God's promise and practical wisdom in assessing the environment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Noah's opening of the ark's window in [Genesis 8:6](/genesis/8-6 "Noah Opens the Ark Window") serves as a profound foreshadowing 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 "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, offers not merely a return to a former state but a radical transformation, providing a secure "ark" of salvation and the ultimate promise of a new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells, thereby fulfilling God's eternal purpose for humanity beyond the temporary reprieve of Noah's ark.

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.