King James Version

What Does Genesis 7:18 Mean?

Genesis 7:18 in the King James Version says “And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 7:18 · KJV

Context

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.

20

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face ... 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 contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיִּגְבְּר֥וּ1 of 11

“prevailed”

H1396

to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently

הַמָּֽיִם׃2 of 11

“And the waters”

H4325

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

וַיִּרְבּ֥וּ3 of 11

“and were increased”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

מְאֹ֖ד4 of 11

“greatly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

עַל5 of 11
H5921

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

הָאָ֑רֶץ6 of 11

“upon the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַתֵּ֥לֶךְ7 of 11
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הַתֵּבָ֖ה8 of 11

“and the ark”

H8392

a box

עַל9 of 11
H5921

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

פְּנֵ֥י10 of 11

“upon the face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַמָּֽיִם׃11 of 11

“And the waters”

H4325

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

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 7:18 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 7:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 14:28Job 22:16Psalms 104:26Psalms 69:15

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