Genesis 8:3
Genesis 8:3 in Multiple Translations
The waters receded steadily from the earth, and after 150 days the waters had gone down.
And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
and the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of a hundred and fifty days the waters decreased.
And the waters went slowly back from the earth, and at the end of a hundred and fifty days the waters were lower.
The floodwaters steadily receded from the earth. They had gone down so much that by 150 days after the flood began
And the waters returned from aboue the earth, going and returning: and after the ende of the hundreth and fiftieth day the waters abated.
And turn back do the waters from off the earth, going on and returning; and the waters are lacking at the end of a hundred and fifty days.
The waters continually receded from the earth. After the end of one hundred fifty days the waters receded.
And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
And the waters returned from off the earth going and coming: and they began to be abated after a hundred and fifty days.
The water on the earth gradually receded. 150 days after the flood began,
The flood water went down slowly, and after 5 months it was a lot lower.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 8:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 8:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֧בוּ
הַ/מַּ֛יִם
מֵ/עַ֥ל
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
הָל֣וֹךְ
וָ/שׁ֑וֹב
וַ/יַּחְסְר֣וּ
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
מִ/קְצֵ֕ה
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
וּ/מְאַ֖ת
יֽוֹם
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֧בוּ
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/מַּ֛יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
מֵ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
הָל֣וֹךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Ptc
וָ/שׁ֑וֹב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
וַ/יַּחְסְר֣וּ
châçêr
H2637
to lack
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
מִ/קְצֵ֕ה
qâtseh
H7097
end
Prep | N-cs
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
chămishshîym
H2572
fifty
Adj
וּ/מְאַ֖ת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Conj | Adj
יֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 8:3
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֧בוּ
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
הַ/מַּ֛יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מֵ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הָל֣וֹךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Ptc
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
וָ/שׁ֑וֹב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
וַ/יַּחְסְר֣וּ
châçêr
H2637
"to lack"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To lack or be without something is what this word means. It describes a state of need or shortage, often used in stories of struggle or hardship. The Bible talks about lack in books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lack 1a2) to be lacking 1a3) to diminish, decrease 1b) (Piel) to cause to lack 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be lacking
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: be abated, bereave, decrease, (cause to) fail, (have) lack, make lower, want. See also: Genesis 8:3; Psalms 23:1; Psalms 8:6.
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מִ/קְצֵ֕ה
qâtseh
H7097
"end"
Prep | N-cs
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים
chămishshîym
H2572
"fifty"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number fifty, used in various biblical contexts like measurements and quantities. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) fifty 1a) fifty (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of fifty (with other numbers) 1c) fiftieth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: fifty. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:2; Isaiah 3:3.
וּ/מְאַ֖ת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Conj | Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
יֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — Genesis 8:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 8:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 8:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 8:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 8:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 8:3
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 8:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 8:3
- Sermons on Genesis 8:3
Context — The Ark Rests on Ararat
1But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark. And God sent a wind over the earth, and the waters began to subside.
2The springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained.
3The waters receded steadily from the earth, and after 150 days the waters had gone down.
4On the seventeenth day of the seventh month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. 5And the waters continued to recede until the tenth month, and on the first day of the tenth month the tops of the mountains became visible.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 7:24 | And the waters prevailed upon the earth for 150 days. |
| 2 | Genesis 7:11 | In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. |
Genesis 8:3 Summary
Genesis 8:3 tells us that the floodwaters were going down steadily from the earth, and after 150 days, they had gone down. This shows us that God is in control of everything, even the biggest and most powerful things, like the oceans (as seen in Psalm 107:25-29). It also reminds us that God keeps His promises, just like He promised to never again destroy the earth with a flood, as stated in Genesis 9:11. We can trust God to take care of us, even when things seem scary or overwhelming, because He is always working to bring about good, as Romans 8:28 says.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was happening to the floodwaters during this time?
The waters were receding steadily from the earth, as God had sent a wind over the earth and closed the springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens, as seen in Genesis 8:1-2.
How long did it take for the waters to go down?
According to Genesis 8:3, the waters had gone down after 150 days, demonstrating God's patience and control over His creation, as also seen in Psalm 104:6-9.
Was the flood a random event or part of God's plan?
The flood was part of God's plan to judge the wickedness of humanity, as stated in Genesis 6:5-7, and to save Noah and his family, as promised in Genesis 6:18.
What can we learn from the floodwaters receding?
We can learn about God's faithfulness and His ability to bring order out of chaos, as seen in Genesis 8:3 and Isaiah 44:27, where God says He will dry up the waters and make a way for His people.
Reflection Questions
- What does the steady receding of the floodwaters reveal about God's character and His relationship with creation?
- How does the patience and control God showed during the flood demonstrate His love and care for His people?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of God's faithfulness in the flood to my own life and circumstances?
- What role does trust in God's sovereignty play in my response to challenging situations, like the flood, and how can I grow in trusting Him?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 8:3
And the waters returned from off the earth continually,.... Or "going and returning" (s); they went off from the earth, and returned to their proper places appointed for them; some were dried up by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 8:3
And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated. Returned ... continually - literally, going and returning.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 8:3
Genesis 8:3 And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.Ver. 3. And the waters returned continually.] Or, hastily (Heb., δζμγεשׁεα). In going and returning; or, heaving and shoving, with all possible speed to return to their place, at God’ s appointment. See a like cheerfulness in God’ s servants.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 8:3
(3) The waters returned from off the earth.—This backward motion of the waters also seems to indicate that a vast wave from the sea had swept over the land, in addition to the forty days of rain. Were abated.—Heb., decreased. Those in the ark would notice the changing current, and would know, by their being aground, that the flood was diminishing. But it was not till the first day of the tenth month that the tops of the mountains were seen. This slow abatement of the waters and their stillness, described in Genesis 8:1, makes it probable that the ark had grounded on some land-locked spot.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 8:3
Ch. Genesis 8:1-14. The Diminution of the Waters 1 (P). God remembered] The same expression occurs in Genesis 19:29, Genesis 30:22. It is a form of anthropomorphism which is not infrequent in the O.T. and which is in continual use in the language of devotion. and all the cattle] LXX adds “And all the fowls and all the creeping things.” For the expression of pity for the brute beasts, cf. “and also much cattle,” in Jonah 4:11. God made a wind to pass] The wind was to drive the waters back into their channels, and to dry up the ground. Cf. the action of the wind in Exodus 14:21. 2a (P). the fountains, &c.] The first clause in this verse describes the closing of the sources of the Flood mentioned in Genesis 7:11 (P). 2b, 3a (J). and the rain … continually] This is the duplicate account from J, in whose version the rain for 40 days was the cause of the Flood (Genesis 7:12). 3b (P). after the end, &c.] The 150 days are those mentioned in Genesis 7:24.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 8:3
1-3. God remembered Noah — The ark, containing the seed of the Church and of the human race, a solitary speck in the watery wilderness, was remembered by God. The tokens of that remembrance followed.
Sermons on Genesis 8:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Flood and Modern Geology by John Whitcomb | In this lecture on the flood and modern geology, the speaker discusses the rejection of the historicity of a global flood by leading scientists. He argues that this rejection is no |
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The Danger of Doubting by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the doubts and fears that can arise in times of trouble. He encourages the audience to trust in God's purposes and not to doubt His faithfulne |
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The Wickedness of Noah's Day by Carl McIntire | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Noah and the ark as a symbol of God's plan for deliverance. He emphasizes the desperate state of the human heart and the need f |
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Are Earthquakes Natural Disasters or the Result of Judgment for Sin? by Jack Hayford | Jack Hayford preaches on the three assignments every believer has: to show forth good works (Matthew 5:16), shine forth a clear witness (1 Peter 3:15), and sustain a life of effect |
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2 Peter 3:5 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the willful ignorance of those who profess Christianity yet choose to disregard the foundational truths of creation and divine judgment. He explains that the h |