Genesis 7:13

¶ In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark;

In the selfsame {H6106} day {H3117} entered {H935} Noah {H5146}, and Shem {H8035}, and Ham {H2526}, and Japheth {H3315}, the sons {H1121} of Noah {H5146}, and Noah's {H5146} wife {H802}, and the three {H7969} wives {H802} of his sons {H1121} with them, into the ark {H8392};

On that same day Noach entered the ark with Shem, Ham and Yefet the sons of Noach, Noach’s wife and the three wives of his sons accompanying them;

On that very day Noah entered the ark, along with his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and his wife, and the three wives of his sons—

In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark;

Commentary

Genesis 7:13 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of the Great Flood. It describes the precise moment when Noah, his immediate family (his wife, and their three sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth), and their wives entered the ark, fulfilling God's explicit command. This entry occurred on the very day the floodwaters were about to begin, signifying the culmination of years of preparation and unwavering obedience.

Context

This verse follows God's directive to Noah to enter the ark with his family and the animals (see Genesis 7:1). For decades, Noah had diligently built the massive vessel, a testament to his faith in God's warning about the impending global judgment. The "selfsame day" emphasizes the divine precision of events; their entry coincided exactly with God's appointed time for the flood to commence. This was the final act before God Himself shut the door of the ark, sealing them inside (Genesis 7:16).

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Faith: Noah's meticulous adherence to God's instructions, from the ark's construction to the precise timing of entry, highlights his profound faith. His actions served as a powerful witness to a world that largely ignored God's warnings. This obedience is later lauded in the New Testament as an example of righteousness by faith (Hebrews 11:7).
  • Divine Timing and Providence: The phrase "In the selfsame day" underscores God's perfect control over all events. The timing was not arbitrary but divinely orchestrated, ensuring the salvation of Noah's family and the preservation of life on Earth according to His sovereign plan.
  • Salvation and Preservation: The ark stands as a powerful symbol of God's provision for salvation amidst judgment. Just as Noah's family found refuge within the ark, believers today find spiritual refuge and salvation in Christ (1 Peter 3:20-21 speaks of baptism as an antitype).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated as "In the selfsame day" is b'etzem hayom hazeh (בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה). The word etzem (עֶצֶם) literally means "bone" or "essence." Used here, it conveys the sense of "the very essence of that day" or "the very same day," emphasizing an exact, precise, and immediate timing. It leaves no room for delay or deviation from the divine schedule.

Practical Application

Genesis 7:13 reminds us of the importance of prompt and complete obedience to God's word. Noah's story encourages us to trust God's warnings and promises, even when they seem far-fetched or require significant commitment. His readiness to enter the ark when commanded highlights the call for believers to be prepared for the Lord's return and to live in continuous readiness, knowing that divine timing is always perfect. It also reinforces the truth that God provides a way of salvation for those who respond to His call.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 6:18 (3 votes)

    But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.

  • Genesis 7:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

  • 1 Peter 3:20 (2 votes)

    Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

  • Genesis 6:10 (2 votes)

    And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

  • Genesis 5:32 (2 votes)

    And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

  • 2 Peter 2:5 (2 votes)

    And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth [person], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

  • Genesis 10:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.