King James Version

What Does Genesis 7:17 Mean?

Genesis 7:17 in the King James Version says “And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth.”

Genesis 7:17 · KJV

Context

15

And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.

16

And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.

17

And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth.

18

And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.

19

And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it w... 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. What theological truths about The Flood emerge from this passage?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיְהִ֧י1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַמַּבּ֛וּל2 of 14

“And the flood”

H3999

a deluge

אַרְבָּעִ֥ים3 of 14

“was forty”

H705

forty

י֖וֹם4 of 14

“days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עַל5 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאָֽרֶץ׃6 of 14

“above the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיִּרְבּ֣וּ7 of 14

“increased”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

הַמַּ֗יִם8 of 14

“and the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וַיִּשְׂאוּ֙9 of 14

“and bare up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת10 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַתֵּבָ֔ה11 of 14

“the ark”

H8392

a box

וַתָּ֖רָם12 of 14

“and it was lift up”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

מֵעַ֥ל13 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאָֽרֶץ׃14 of 14

“above the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 7:17 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 7:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 7:4Genesis 7:12

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