Genesis 8:10 kjv

And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;

Genesis 8:10 nkjv

And he waited yet another seven days, and again he sent the dove out from the ark.

Genesis 8:10 niv

He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark.

Genesis 8:10 esv

He waited another seven days, and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark.

Genesis 8:10 nlt

After waiting another seven days, Noah released the dove again.

Genesis 8 verses

Genesis 8 10 Meaning

This verse describes Noah's methodical and patient waiting period before he undertakes a second reconnaissance flight of the dove. It demonstrates his reliance on observation and divine timing to discern the appropriate moment for disembarking from the ark after the global flood. Noah's repeated action signifies his persistent search for tangible evidence of the earth's renewed habitability, reflecting a patient and deliberate discernment process under God's guidance.

Genesis 8 10 Context

Following the global flood that covered the earth, God remembered Noah, causing a wind to blow and the waters to recede. After the mountain tops became visible, Noah sent out a raven, which flew back and forth without returning to the ark. Next, Noah released a dove (Gen 8:8), but it found no dry place to rest its feet and returned to him, confirming the continued presence of widespread water. Genesis 8:10 directly follows this initial unsuccessful attempt, detailing Noah's patient, waiting posture. This verse sets the stage for the dove's next flight, which would bring a hopeful sign—an olive leaf—indicating the further recession of the waters and the emergence of new life. The narrative progresses towards God's eventual command for Noah to leave the ark.

Genesis 8 10 Word analysis

• So he waited (וַיָּחֶל - vayyachel): From the Hebrew root יָחַל (yakhal), which means "to wait, hope, tarry." This term implies an active, often hopeful, expectation rather than passive inactivity. Noah's waiting is a deliberate act of trusting in an outcome and patiently observing the unfolding circumstances, indicating his dependence on external signs or divine leading before proceeding.
• yet another (עוֹד - ʿôd): This adverb means "still, yet, again, further." It indicates a continuation or repetition of a previous action or state, highlighting the extended period and methodical nature of Noah's waiting. It underscores the diligence and patience applied to his discernment.
• seven days (שִׁבְעַת יָמִים - shivʿat yâmîm): The number "seven" (שֶׁבַע - shevaʿ) is consistently significant in biblical literature, often denoting completion, perfection, divine fullness, or covenantal rhythm (e.g., creation week). The "seven days" waiting period here points to a divinely patterned and complete cycle of observation, emphasizing purposeful patience and aligning with God's established order. It suggests Noah's adherence to a precise timetable, possibly in faith or by unstated instruction.
• and again (וַיֹּסֶף - vayyoseph): Derived from the verb יָסַף (yasaf), meaning "to add, increase, do again." This stresses the repeated nature of Noah's action, not as a casual repetition but as a methodical, deliberate renewal of the sending forth, further emphasizing his persistent and systematic approach to gathering information about the earth's state.
• he sent forth (שָׁלַח - shalakh): This common Hebrew verb means "to send, stretch out, dispatch, let go." Here, it signifies Noah's intentional dispatch of the dove on a specific mission of reconnaissance. It portrays a purposeful and controlled act of seeking information.
• the dove (הַיּוֹנָה - hayyonah): The noun "dove" (יוֹנָה - yonah) is used with the definite article, referring to the specific bird, or its kind, previously mentioned. Doves are known for their strong homing instincts, sensitivity to finding perches, and gentle nature. In later biblical symbolism, the dove becomes associated with peace, purity, and the Holy Spirit. Noah's choice and repeated use of the dove underscore its specific role as a reliable messenger for discerning life and suitable dwelling places.
• out of the ark (מִן הַתֵּבָה - min hattevah): Composed of "from/out of" (מִן - min) and "ark" (תֵּבָה - tevah). This phrase denotes the confined sanctuary and place of safety from which Noah's mission of exploration originates. The ark represents temporary protection, from which a new world is being sought and prepared for habitation.

Words-group analysis:

• "So he waited yet another seven days": This phrase underlines Noah's exemplary patience and deliberate, calculated actions rooted in a disciplined faith. The structured seven-day period indicates a spiritual rhythm and adherence to a waiting process that is not random but purposeful. It teaches that God's plan unfolds progressively, requiring human endurance and trust in His perfect timing, rather than hasty intervention.
• "and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark": This highlights the persistent, methodical, and hopeful nature of Noah's reconnaissance. The repetition signifies not only a practical testing of the waters but also a deep yearning for the earth's restoration and a safe return. The ark serves as a pivot point for launching these inquiries into a still-unsettled world, representing the journey from divine judgment to new beginnings.

Genesis 8 10 Bonus section

The consistent application of "seven days" throughout Genesis 7 and 8 (Gen 7:4, 7:10, 8:10, 8:12) suggests a deep, underlying significance tied to divine order and completion. This numerical pattern implies that God's actions and His chosen timing, even in seemingly natural phenomena like receding waters, are highly structured and purposeful. It underscores a providential management of time, teaching Noah—and by extension, humanity—the virtue of living within God's set rhythms. Furthermore, Noah's repeated dispatch of the dove, as opposed to the raven, suggests a specific purpose for each creature; the raven might symbolize endurance in a desolate state, while the dove distinctly signifies the search for life, peace, and habitable land, pointing towards a new covenant and an enduring hope. This progressive revelation through repeated action speaks to the slow but sure unfolding of God's plans.

Genesis 8 10 Commentary

Genesis 8:10 profoundly illustrates Noah's steadfast patience and faith during the transition from global judgment to new life. The repeated "seven days" waiting period is a crucial detail, indicating not random timing but a structured, complete interval, possibly aligning with divine cycles and reinforcing the concept of sacred timing prevalent throughout scripture. This deliberate pause before sending the dove again shows Noah's disciplined approach, dependent on incremental signs and God's subtle leading rather than impatience or assumption. His persistence with the dove, a symbol of vulnerability and seeking rest, underscores the ongoing process of discovering life's return to the desolate earth. This act of sending the dove becomes a parable for the patient spiritual seeking required to discern God's will and timing in one's life, especially when awaiting divine intervention or a clear path forward. It teaches the value of unceasing, faith-filled reconnaissance, even when initial attempts yield no definitive answers, trusting that God will provide clarity in His own perfect season.

• Example 1: Believers facing significant career or relational crossroads often engage in periods of focused prayer and waiting, repeatedly "sending out" requests and observations to discern God's will, much like Noah's methodical release of the dove.
• Example 2: When waiting for a prayer to be answered or for challenging circumstances to change, Christians are called to patient endurance and repeated acts of faith, mirroring Noah's steadfast process of waiting and sending until a clear sign emerged.