King James Version

What Does Genesis 8:13 Mean?

Genesis 8:13 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.”

Genesis 8:13 · KJV

Context

11

And the dove came in to him in the evening ; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.

12

And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him any more.

13

And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.

14

And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth dried.

15

And God spake unto Noah, saying,

Read Genesis 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the mo... 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 New Beginning emerge from this passage?
  2. How should this truth about Divine Mercy shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַ֠יְהִי1 of 22
H1961

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

בְּאֶחָ֣ד2 of 22

“month the first”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וְשֵׁשׁ3 of 22

“And it came to pass in the six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵא֜וֹת4 of 22

“hundredth”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שָׁנָ֗ה5 of 22

“and first year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בָּֽרִאשׁוֹן֙6 of 22

“in the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

בְּאֶחָ֣ד7 of 22

“month the first”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ8 of 22

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

חָֽרְב֥וּ9 of 22

“was dry”

H2717

to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill

הַמַּ֖יִם10 of 22

“the waters”

H4325

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

מֵעַ֣ל11 of 22
H5921

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

הָאָ֑רֶץ12 of 22

“from off the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיָּ֤סַר13 of 22

“removed”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

נֹ֙חַ֙14 of 22

“and Noah”

H5146

noach, the patriarch of the flood

אֶת15 of 22
H853

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

מִכְסֵ֣ה16 of 22

“the covering”

H4372

a covering, i.e., weatherboarding

הַתֵּבָ֔ה17 of 22

“of the ark”

H8392

a box

וַיַּ֕רְא18 of 22

“and looked”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְהִנֵּ֥ה19 of 22
H2009

lo!

חָֽרְב֖וּ20 of 22
H2720

parched or ruined

פְּנֵ֥י21 of 22

“and behold 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

הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃22 of 22

“of the ground”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

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 8:13 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 8:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 7:11

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