Genesis 7:20

Context of the Flood

Genesis 7:20 occurs at the climax of the Great Flood narrative, detailing the extent of the waters that covered the earth as a divine judgment against the pervasive wickedness of humanity (Genesis 6:5-7). Following God's command, Noah, his family, and all the animals entered the ark, and the floodgates of heaven were opened, along with the fountains of the great deep. This verse specifically describes the peak of the flood's devastation, emphasizing its unparalleled scale and the complete submersion of all land.

Key Themes and Messages

• Universality of the Flood: The phrase "the mountains were covered" explicitly states that no landmass, regardless of its elevation, remained unsubmerged. This detail, combined with the "fifteen cubits upward" measurement, powerfully conveys the global nature of the deluge, leaving no dry ground for life outside the ark. It highlights the completeness of God's judgment.
• Divine Sovereignty and Power: The waters did not merely rise; they "did... prevail," indicating an overwhelming force. This is not a natural disaster but a divinely orchestrated event, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation and His ability to execute His will, whether in judgment or salvation. The precision of the measurement (fifteen cubits) also underscores God's intentionality and power.
• God's Justice and Holiness: The flood serves as a profound testament to God's justice and holiness, showing that He cannot tolerate unrepentant sin indefinitely. This catastrophic event cleansed the earth of its corruption, preparing it for a new beginning through Noah and his family, who found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "prevailed" is gabar (גָּבַר), which means to be strong, mighty, or to overcome. It suggests an overwhelming dominance and intensity. In this context, it emphasizes the irresistible power of the floodwaters, not merely rising but asserting their complete control over the landscape. The term "cubit" (Hebrew: אַמָּה, ammah) was an ancient unit of length, typically the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18-21 inches (about 45-53 cm). Thus, "fifteen cubits upward" means the water rose approximately 22-26 feet (6.8-8 meters) above the highest mountains, leaving no doubt about the extent of the submersion.

Related Scriptures

This verse is crucial for understanding the scope of the flood. It connects directly to God's initial declaration of judgment in Genesis 6:17, where He states His intention to "destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven." The narrative continues to describe the receding waters in Genesis 8:1, and God's subsequent covenant with Noah, promising never again to destroy all life by a flood (Genesis 9:11). The New Testament also references this event, with 2 Peter 3:6 mentioning how "the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished."

Practical Application

Genesis 7:20 serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute authority and His unwavering commitment to justice. For believers, it highlights the seriousness of sin and the necessity of righteousness and obedience, exemplified by Noah. It also underscores God's faithfulness to His promises, both in judgment and in salvation. Just as God provided the ark as the sole means of salvation for Noah's generation, He has provided salvation for all humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ. This ancient account encourages reverence for God and trust in His ultimate plan for humanity and creation.