King James Version

What Does Genesis 8:3 Mean?

Genesis 8:3 in the King James Version says “And the waters returned from off the earth continually : and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the waters returned from off the earth continually : and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated. continually: Heb. in going and returning”

Genesis 8:3 · KJV

Context

1

And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;

2

The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained;

3

And the waters returned from off the earth continually : and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated. continually: Heb. in going and returning

4

And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

5

And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen. decreased: Heb. were in going and decreasing

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty d... 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 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 · 12 words
וָשׁ֑וֹב1 of 12

“returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הַמַּ֔יִם2 of 12

“And the waters”

H4325

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

מֵעַ֥ל3 of 12
H5921

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

הָאָ֖רֶץ4 of 12

“from off the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הָל֣וֹךְ5 of 12

“continually”

H1980

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

וָשׁ֑וֹב6 of 12

“returned”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וַיַּחְסְר֣וּ7 of 12

“were abated”

H2637

to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen

הַמַּ֔יִם8 of 12

“And the waters”

H4325

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

מִקְצֵ֕ה9 of 12

“and after the end”

H7097

an extremity

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים10 of 12

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

וּמְאַ֖ת11 of 12

“of the hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

יֽוֹם׃12 of 12

“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

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 8:3 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 8:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 7:24Genesis 7:11

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