King James Version

What Does Genesis 8:20 Mean?

Genesis 8:20 in the King James Version says “And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offer...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.”

Genesis 8:20 · KJV

Context

18

And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him:

19

Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their kinds, went forth out of the ark. kinds: Heb. families

20

And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

21

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. a sweet: Heb. a savour of rest or, satisfaction for the imagination: or, through the imagination

22

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. While: Heb. As yet all the days of the earth

Read Genesis 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and... 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 can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּ֥בֶן1 of 14

“builded”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

נֹ֛חַ2 of 14

“And Noah”

H5146

noach, the patriarch of the flood

בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃3 of 14

“an altar”

H4196

an altar

לַֽיהוָ֑ה4 of 14

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיִּקַּ֞ח5 of 14

“and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִכֹּ֣ל׀6 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַבְּהֵמָ֣ה7 of 14

“beast”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

הַטָּה֔וֹר8 of 14

“and of every clean”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

וּמִכֹּל֙9 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָע֣וֹף10 of 14

“fowl”

H5775

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

הַטָּה֔וֹר11 of 14

“and of every clean”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

וַיַּ֥עַל12 of 14

“and offered”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עֹלֹ֖ת13 of 14

“burnt offerings”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃14 of 14

“an altar”

H4196

an altar

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 8:20 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 8:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 13:15-16Genesis 22:9Romans 12:11 Peter 2:9Genesis 12:7-8Leviticus 11:1-47

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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