Genesis 8:3 kjv

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

Genesis 8:3 nkjv

And the waters receded continually from the earth. At the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters decreased.

Genesis 8:3 niv

The water receded steadily from the earth. At the end of the hundred and fifty days the water had gone down,

Genesis 8:3 esv

and the waters receded from the earth continually. At the end of 150 days the waters had abated,

Genesis 8:3 nlt

So the floodwaters gradually receded from the earth. After 150 days,

Genesis 8 verses

Genesis 8 3 Meaning

Gen 8:3 describes the gradual and continuous retreat of the floodwaters from the earth, reaching a significant decrease by the time 150 days had elapsed from the commencement of the waters' prevalence over the earth. It portrays a deliberate, steady process orchestrated by divine will, marking a turning point from overwhelming judgment towards restoration.

Genesis 8 3 Context

Genesis chapter 8 marks a pivotal transition in the flood narrative, moving from divine judgment and devastation to divine remembrance, restoration, and the eventual re-establishment of life on earth. Immediately prior to verse 3, Gen 8:1 states that "God remembered Noah" and brought a wind to subside the waters, and Gen 8:2 describes God's direct intervention in stopping the sources of the flood—the fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven. Gen 8:3 is the direct consequence of these divine actions, depicting the result and process of the waters' retreat. The verse is therefore integral to understanding how God mercifully reversed the cataclysm, carefully managing the withdrawal of the judgment. Historically and culturally, this passage highlights God's singular power over nature, contrasting sharply with ancient Near Eastern polytheistic myths where the elements were often chaotic, unruly, or ruled by squabbling deities, showing that Yahweh is the sole, supreme, and orderly sovereign over creation.

Genesis 8 3 Word analysis

• And the waters: (וַיָּשֻׁבוּ הַמַּיִם - vayyashuvu hammayim). The Hebrew 'vav-consecutive' here indicates a sequential action following God's remembering and action in 8:1-2. "The waters" refers specifically to the deluge that covered the earth, emphasizing the shift in their behavior from overpowering to retreating.
• receded: (וַיָּשֻׁבוּ - vayyashuvu from the root שׁוּב, shuv). This verb means "to return," "to turn back," or "to recede." It implies a controlled, deliberate withdrawal rather than a passive evaporation or chaotic ebb. It's a divinely-orchestrated action, signifying a reversal of the prior inundation.
• from the earth: (מֵעַל הָאָרֶץ - mēʿal hāʾāreṣ). Specifies the direction and scope. The waters were on all the earth, and from all of it they began to recede, reinforcing the global extent of the flood.
• continually: (הָלוֹךְ וָשׁוֹב - hālokh vāshov). This is an intensive literary construction in Hebrew, literally "going and returning" or "going and coming." It denotes a continuous, persistent, gradual, or steady action. It indicates that the recession was not abrupt but an ongoing, unceasing process, emphasizing its methodical and protracted nature. This highlights divine patience and thoroughness.
• and at the end of 150 days: (וַיֶּחְסְרוּ ... מִקְצֵה חֲמִשִּׁים וּמְאַת יוֹם - vayyechsĕru... miqṣēh ḥamishshim u-mĕʾat yom). This phrase precisely dates a significant moment. The 150 days here refers to the initial 150 days during which the waters prevailed (Gen 7:24). The phrase "at the end of 150 days" thus marks the culmination of that period of prevalence, at which point the diminishing specifically begins or becomes acutely evident. This precision indicates divine design and adherence to a strict timetable.
• the waters diminished: (וַיֶּחְסְרוּ הַמַּיִם - vayyechsĕru hammayim from the root חָסֵר, ḥaser). This verb means "to lack," "to diminish," "to decrease," or "to fail." While "receded" refers to the movement of the waters away, "diminished" speaks to their actual quantitative reduction. This shows that not only were they retreating, but their volume was steadily lessening.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And the waters receded...continually": This phrase portrays God's active hand in reversing the flood. The emphasis on "continually" (הָלוֹךְ וָשׁוֹב) communicates that this was a persistent, ongoing divine process, not an accidental or sporadic withdrawal. It contrasts with the rapid influx of waters, showcasing the Creator's deliberate control over judgment and subsequent restoration. This detail refutes any notion of the waters merely "drying up" by natural, unguided processes; instead, it speaks to divine agency.
• "continually...and at the end of 150 days the waters diminished": This combination links the qualitative description of the retreat ("continually") with a precise quantitative and temporal marker ("at the end of 150 days" the volume "diminished"). The first 150 days were marked by the waters' "prevalence" (Gen 7:24); Gen 8:3 highlights that after this period, the waters began their systematic and quantifiable decrease. This structure underscores the orderly, methodical progression of God's work, providing assurance that His plans unfold according to His perfect timing and detailed orchestration.

Genesis 8 3 Bonus section

The specific timeframe of "150 days" here refers to the total period during which the waters prevailed on the earth, specifically from the end of the 40 days of rain (Gen 7:17, 24). At the conclusion of this 150-day period of dominance, the active diminishing of the waters truly began as described in this verse. This suggests a phase of full saturation before the active withdrawal, emphasizing the comprehensiveness of the judgment. Furthermore, the systematic nature of the water's recession sets the stage for God's new covenant with Noah in Gen 9, affirming that even judgment serves a redemptive purpose, ultimately leading to renewal and the establishment of God's enduring promises.

Genesis 8 3 Commentary

Genesis 8:3 encapsulates a profound theological truth: the Creator God, who commanded the flood, is equally powerful to reverse its effects. This verse demonstrates divine sovereignty not just in judgment, but powerfully in grace and restoration. The meticulous language, especially the phrase "continually" (הָלוֹךְ וָשׁוֹב), portrays a deliberate and sustained divine effort, directly countering ancient Near Eastern myths where chaotic waters receded only when deities became exhausted or accidental circumstances prevailed. Here, God actively and persistently works. The mention of "150 days" signals divine precision in timing; the judgment had a specific duration, and so did the process of its reversal. This points to God's patient yet precise handling of the fallen world, providing the conditions for a new beginning.

For practical application, this verse reminds us that even after periods of intense trial or divine correction (our personal "floods"), God is faithful to bring about relief and restoration, not haphazardly but with deliberate purpose and according to His perfect timing. Just as the waters diminished "continually," God's work in our lives often involves gradual, consistent processes of healing and renewal.