King James Version

What Does Genesis 6:16 Mean?

Genesis 6:16 in the King James Version says “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 i...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 6:16 · KJV

Context

14

Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. rooms: Heb. nests

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.

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.

17

And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.

18

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.

Read Genesis 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
צֹ֣הַר׀1 of 15

“A window”

H6672

a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon

תַּֽעֲשֶֽׂהָ׃2 of 15

“shalt thou make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַתֵּבָ֖ה3 of 15

“of the ark”

H8392

a box

וְאֶל4 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַמָּה֙5 of 15

“and in a cubit”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

תְּכַלֶ֣נָּה6 of 15

“shalt thou finish”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

מִלְמַ֔עְלָה7 of 15

“it above”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

וּפֶ֥תַח8 of 15

“and the door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

הַתֵּבָ֖ה9 of 15

“of the ark”

H8392

a box

בְּצִדָּ֣הּ10 of 15

“in the side thereof”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

תָּשִׂ֑ים11 of 15

“shalt thou set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

תַּחְתִּיִּ֛ם12 of 15

“with lower”

H8482

lowermost; as noun (feminine plural) the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb)

שְׁנִיִּ֥ם13 of 15

“second”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

וּשְׁלִשִׁ֖ים14 of 15

“and third”

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

תַּֽעֲשֶֽׂהָ׃15 of 15

“shalt thou make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 6:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 6:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 8:6Ezekiel 41:16Genesis 7:16Ezekiel 42:32 Kings 9:302 Samuel 6:16

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