King James Version

What Does Genesis 8:5 Mean?

Genesis 8:5 in the King James Version says “And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Genesis 8:5 · KJV

Context

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

6

And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:

7

And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. to: Heb. in going forth and returning

Read Genesis 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth month, on the first day of ... 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 does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְהַמַּ֗יִם1 of 13

“And the waters”

H4325

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

הָיוּ֙2 of 13
H1961

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

הָל֣וֹךְ3 of 13

“continually”

H1980

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

וְחָס֔וֹר4 of 13

“decreased”

H2637

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

עַ֖ד5 of 13

“until”

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ6 of 13

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

בָּֽעֲשִׂירִי֙7 of 13

“in the tenth”

H6224

tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part

בָּֽעֲשִׂירִי֙8 of 13

“in the tenth”

H6224

tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part

בְּאֶחָ֣ד9 of 13

“month on the first”

H259

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

לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ10 of 13

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

נִרְא֖וּ11 of 13

“seen”

H7200

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

רָאשֵׁ֥י12 of 13

“were the tops”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הֶֽהָרִֽים׃13 of 13

“of the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

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 8:5 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 8:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 7:11

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