Genesis 6:15

And this [is the fashion] which thou shalt make it [of]: The length of the ark [shall be] three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

And this is the fashion which thou shalt make {H6213} it of: The length {H753} of the ark {H8392} shall be three {H7969} hundred {H3967} cubits {H520}, the breadth {H7341} of it fifty {H2572} cubits {H520}, and the height {H6967} of it thirty {H7970} cubits {H520}.

Here is how you are to build it: the length of the ark is to be 450 feet, its width seventy-five feet and its height forty-five feet.

And this is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high.

And this is how thou shalt make it: the length of the ark three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

Commentary

Genesis 6:15 (KJV) details the precise dimensions God commanded Noah to use for the construction of the Ark. This verse is part of a comprehensive divine blueprint for the vessel that would preserve life during the coming global flood.

Context

This verse follows God's sorrowful declaration of judgment upon a wicked humanity and His decision to bring a flood upon the earth (Genesis 6:5-7). Amidst this impending judgment, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8), and God chose him to build a vessel of salvation. The preceding verse, Genesis 6:14, initiates the command to build the Ark, specifying the type of wood and compartments, while verse 15 provides the critical measurements.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Design: God leaves nothing to chance, providing exact specifications for the Ark's length (300 cubits), breadth (50 cubits), and height (30 cubits). These precise Noah's Ark dimensions highlight God's meticulous planning and foresight in His acts of judgment and salvation.
  • Vast Scale of the Ark: A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, typically estimated to be around 18-22 inches (approximately 45-55 cm). Taking even the smaller estimate, the Ark would have been approximately 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high – a truly immense vessel, capable of holding the required number of animals and provisions for the Biblical flood.
  • Foundation for Obedience: These specific instructions were a test of Noah's faith and obedience. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes Noah's faithful adherence to every detail God commanded (Genesis 6:22).

Linguistic Insights

The term "cubit" comes from the Hebrew word 'ammah (ΧΧžΧ”), which refers to the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While the exact length could vary slightly in different ancient cultures, the consistent use of this unit across the ancient Near East indicates a standard of measurement for large-scale construction projects. The phrase "the fashion which thou shalt make it of" emphasizes that Noah was to follow a divine blueprint, not his own design, for the ark construction.

Practical Application

Genesis 6:15 reminds us that God's plans are often detailed and require our diligent attention and obedience. Just as Noah was called to follow a precise blueprint for physical salvation, believers are called to follow God's commands in their spiritual lives. This verse encourages us to trust in God's wisdom, even when His instructions seem extraordinary or demand immense effort. Noah's faith, highlighted in Hebrews 11:7, was demonstrated by his obedience to these very specific divine directives.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 7:20 (2 votes)

    Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.

  • Deuteronomy 3:11 (2 votes)

    For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead [was] a bedstead of iron; [is] it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits [was] the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.