Genesis 8:6 kjv

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

Genesis 8:6 nkjv

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

Genesis 8:6 niv

After forty days Noah opened a window he had made in the ark

Genesis 8:6 esv

At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made

Genesis 8:6 nlt

After another forty days, Noah opened the window he had made in the boat

Genesis 8 verses

Genesis 8 6 Meaning

Genesis 8:6 describes Noah's action after a specific period following the peak of the flood. Having been enclosed within the ark for a considerable time, Noah takes the initiative to cautiously ascertain the state of the world outside. This verse marks a significant transition from passive endurance within the ark to active inquiry and anticipation of a new beginning, reflecting Noah's prudence and a God-given desire for normalcy after judgment. It signals the approaching end of the flood event and the preparation for disembarkation.

Genesis 8 6 Context

Genesis 8:6 is situated within the narrative of the global flood and its abatement. Following God's remembering of Noah (Gen 8:1), the waters began to recede, and a strong wind blew over the earth. After the 150 days of the waters prevailing, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat on the seventeenth day of the seventh month (Gen 8:3-4). This verse thus describes Noah's action after the ark had already grounded, marking the start of a new phase of careful assessment of the drying land. He has already waited several months for the waters to clearly abate before considering opening any part of the ark. The context is one of a transition from the destructive judgment to the beginnings of re-establishing life on earth. Noah, having endured the long confinement and God's powerful work, begins to act prudently under the implied divine leading, preparing for a new life outside the ark.

Genesis 8 6 Word analysis

• And it came to pass (וַיְהִי, vayhi): This is a very common Hebrew narrative idiom, functioning as a chronological marker. It signifies a transition to a new event or stage in the story, often indicating a direct consequence of preceding events or the initiation of a new action. Here, it shifts the focus from the general process of water recession to Noah's specific initiative.

• at the end (מִקְּצֵה, miqqetzeh): This prepositional phrase means "from the end of" or "at the close of," emphasizing the completion of a set period. It signals a culmination and prompts expectation for what follows this designated duration.

• forty days (אַרְבָּעִים יוֹם, arba'im yom): The number "forty" holds significant symbolic weight throughout the Bible, frequently representing a period of testing, purification, preparation, judgment, or intense encounter with God. In the context of the flood, it marked the duration of the rain (Gen 7:4, 12, 17) and here signifies Noah's patient waiting period after the ark rested before he takes investigative action. This period is a test of Noah's endurance and faith.

• Noah (נֹחַ, Noach): The central figure, whose name means "rest" or "comfort." His actions are pivotal to the unfolding post-flood narrative. His prudence in waiting 40 days and then initiating the search demonstrates wise leadership and faith.

• opened (וַיִּפְתַּח, vayyiftach): A verb in the waw-consecutive imperfect, denoting a sequential and decisive action by Noah. It is an active and deliberate move, indicating an initiative rather than passive waiting.

• the window (הַחַלּוֹן, hachallon): This refers to a specific type of opening in the ark. It is distinct from the "light opening" (צוֹהַר, tsohar) mentioned in Gen 6:16. Scholars suggest tsohar may have been a general light-admitting opening or skylight, while challon refers to a conventional window designed to be opened and closed, suitable for observation and sending out birds. Its presence implies Noah had controlled access to the outside for practical purposes.

• of the ark (הַתֵּבָה, hattevah): The unique vessel of salvation, reiterating the context of their enclosed existence during the global cataclysm.

• which he had made (אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה, asher asah): This emphasizes Noah's direct involvement and craftsmanship, aligning with previous statements of his obedience in building the ark according to divine instructions (Gen 6:22; 7:5). It connects his present action to his past obedience and reinforces his stewardship over the vessel.

• "at the end of forty days": This phrase signals a distinct break in the narrative. It emphasizes Noah's patience and adherence to a waiting period. This specific duration implies an intentionality to Noah's timing, possibly directed by divine intuition or a general assessment of conditions after the initial rest of the ark.

• "Noah opened the window of the ark": This entire phrase depicts a cautious and purposeful step. Noah is not rashly exiting but making a measured attempt to gain external information. His action demonstrates a shift from passive endurance to active reconnaissance, a necessary prelude to emerging into a renewed world.

Genesis 8 6 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "ark" (תֵּבָה, tevah) is only used twice in the Bible: for Noah's Ark and for the basket in which baby Moses was placed (Exod 2:3). In both instances, it denotes a vessel of salvation that carries its precious cargo through a dangerous deluge (the flood and the command to kill Israelite male infants), preserving life for God's redemptive purposes. Noah's action of opening the challon of this unique "tevah" foreshadows new hope emerging from chaos, similar to how Moses' preservation in his tevah led to Israel's deliverance and the establishment of a covenant.

Genesis 8 6 Commentary

Genesis 8:6 marks a crucial turning point in the Noahic narrative, shifting from a period of passive preservation within the ark to active reconnaissance for life on renewed earth. The phrase "at the end of forty days" is significant, employing a number frequently associated with periods of testing, waiting, and transformation in biblical thought. Just as Israel wandered 40 years, Moses waited 40 days for the Law, and Jesus fasted 40 days, Noah's 40 days after the ark settled represent a divine and human period of patience, endurance, and preparation for a new beginning.

Noah's act of "opening the window" (הַחַלּוֹן, hachallon) is an act of prudent stewardship, distinguishing him as a faithful agent not merely reacting, but carefully discerning the right time for the next step. This specific "window" implies an observational opening, different from the light source (tsohar) commanded in Genesis 6:16. His actions are driven by the need to understand the receding waters and determine when the earth is dry enough for disembarkation. This highlights Noah's role as humanity's steward, carefully assessing the post-judgment environment. The entire sequence, initiated by God "remembering Noah" (Gen 8:1), demonstrates a harmonious working together: God’s active work in abating the waters and Noah’s responsive, faith-filled actions in preparation for renewed life.