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 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](/genesis/7-24 "Genesis 7:24 - The Waters Prevail") over all the high mountains. The preceding verses detail God's merciful intervention as [He remembered Noah](/genesis/8-1 "Genesis 8:1 - God Remembers Noah"), causing a wind to pass over the earth and the waters to recede. The ark's resting on the [mountains of Ararat](/genesis/8-4 "Genesis 8:4 - The Ark Rests on Ararat") and the subsequent appearance of mountain peaks [after 150 days](/genesis/8-5 "Genesis 8:5 - The Mountain Peaks Appear") 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](/genesis/7-24 "Genesis 7:24 - Waters Prevail") 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](/genesis/9-8-17 "Genesis 9:8-17 - The Noahic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **opened (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** This primitive root signifies to "open wide," whether literally or figuratively. In this context, it denotes Noah physically unsealing or unfastening the window, allowing access to the outside. It implies a deliberate, controlled action, not an accidental or forced opening.
* **window (Hebrew, _challôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to perforate," this term refers to a small opening, typically for light or ventilation. It suggests a cautious, limited vantage point rather than a large doorway. Noah's opening of this specific type of aperture indicates a preliminary assessment, allowing him to observe without fully exposing the ark's interior.
* **made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** A broad and versatile primitive root meaning "to do or make." Here, it emphasizes Noah's direct involvement and responsibility in the construction of the ark, as commanded by God. The phrase "which he had made" subtly reminds the reader that this vessel, now the sole refuge of life, was built by Noah's obedient hands, highlighting his ongoing stewardship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass at the end of forty days":** This phrase establishes a precise temporal marker, indicating a period of 40 days had elapsed since the mountain peaks became visible (Genesis 8:5). This duration is significant, often symbolizing a period of testing, divine judgment, or preparation in biblical narratives. For Noah, it signifies a patient, divinely-ordained waiting period, allowing for further water recession and ground desiccation before any direct interaction with the external environment.
* **"that Noah opened the window":** This describes Noah's deliberate action. The "window" (Hebrew: _challôwn_) was likely a small, perhaps latched, opening rather than a large door. His act of opening it was a cautious, preliminary step, allowing him to observe the external conditions—light, air quality, and the visible state of the receding waters—without fully exposing the ark's inhabitants or interior to the still-uncertain environment. This demonstrates Noah's prudence and reliance on empirical observation.
* **"of the ark which he had made":** This concluding phrase subtly emphasizes Noah's direct responsibility and craftsmanship in the ark's construction, as previously commanded by God (Genesis 6:14-16). It serves as a reminder that the vessel, which had preserved life through the global catastrophe, was a product of Noah's faithful obedience and diligent labor, reinforcing his role as the steward of God's redemptive plan.

#### 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.

* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Wisdom in Counsel") - Emphasizes the wisdom of planning and patience, echoing Noah's measured approach.
* [Ecclesiastes 3:1](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1 - A Time for Everything") - Reinforces the concept of divine timing and the appropriateness of specific actions in their appointed seasons.
* [2 Peter 3:8-9](/2_peter/3-8-9 "2 Peter 3:8-9 - God's Patience and Timing") - Connects to God's patience, reminding believers that divine timing often differs from human expectations, but is always purposeful.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Noah's actions in [Genesis 8:6](/genesis/8-6 "Genesis 8:6 - Noah Opens the Ark Window") 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
* **In what areas of your life are you currently in a "waiting period," and how can Noah's patience encourage you?**
* **How can you practice greater discernment and take more measured steps when facing new or uncertain circumstances?**
* **What "windows" might God be prompting you to cautiously open in your life to assess new opportunities or directions?**

### 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](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33 - Forty Years in the Wilderness") or Jesus' [forty days of temptation](/matthew/4-2 "Matthew 4:2 - Jesus' 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](/genesis/8-7-12 "Genesis 8:7-12 - Noah Sends the Raven and Dove").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Noah's cautious opening of the ark's window in [Genesis 8:6](/genesis/8-6 "Genesis 8:6 - Noah Opens the Ark Window") 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](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"). Through Him, we are granted [access to the Father](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ") and the ultimate promise of a [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heavens and New Earth"), where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")), 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.

Cross-References

Genesis 6:16

A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; [with] lower, second, and third [stories] shalt thou make it.

Daniel 6:10

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.