Genesis 8:5
Genesis 8:5 in Multiple Translations
And 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.
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.
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.
And still the waters went on falling, till on the first day of the tenth month the tops of the mountains were seen.
The waters continued to drop so that by the first day of the tenth month the tops of mountains could be seen.
And the waters were going and decreasing vntill the tenth moneth: in the tenth moneth, and in the first day of the moneth were the toppes of the mountaines seene.
and the waters have been going and becoming lacking till the tenth month; in the tenth [month], on the first of the month, appeared the heads of the mountains.
The waters receded continually until the tenth month. In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were visible.
And the waters decreased continually, till the tenth month: in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen.
And the waters were going and decreasing until the tenth month: for in the tenth month, the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains appeared.
The water continued to recede until, on the first day of the tenth month of that year, the tops of other mountains became visible.
The flood water kept going down for the next 2½ months, and then they saw the tops of the mountains, sticking up out of the water.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 8:5
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 8:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/מַּ֗יִם
הָיוּ֙
הָל֣וֹךְ
וְ/חָס֔וֹר
עַ֖ד
הַ/חֹ֣דֶשׁ
הָֽ/עֲשִׂירִ֑י
בָּֽ/עֲשִׂירִי֙
בְּ/אֶחָ֣ד
לַ/חֹ֔דֶשׁ
נִרְא֖וּ
רָאשֵׁ֥י
הֶֽ/הָרִֽים
וְ/הַ/מַּ֗יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Conj | Art | N-mp
הָיוּ֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הָל֣וֹךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Ptc
וְ/חָס֔וֹר
châçêr
H2637
to lack
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הַ/חֹ֣דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
month
Art | N-ms
הָֽ/עֲשִׂירִ֑י
ʻăsîyrîy
H6224
tenth
Art | Adj
בָּֽ/עֲשִׂירִי֙
ʻăsîyrîy
H6224
tenth
Prep | Adj
בְּ/אֶחָ֣ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Prep | Adj
לַ/חֹ֔דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
month
Prep | N-ms
נִרְא֖וּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
רָאשֵׁ֥י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-mp
הֶֽ/הָרִֽים
har
H2022
mountain
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 8:5
וְ/הַ/מַּ֗יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Conj | 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.
הָיוּ֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
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.
וְ/חָס֔וֹר
châçêr
H2637
"to lack"
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
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.
עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/חֹ֣דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
"month"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
הָֽ/עֲשִׂירִ֑י
ʻăsîyrîy
H6224
"tenth"
Art | Adj
The Hebrew word for 'tenth' is used to describe a tenth part of something, like a tenth of one's income. It can also refer to the tenth month of the year. In English Bibles, it is often translated as 'tenth' or 'tenth part'.
Definition: 1) ordinal number 1a) a tenth
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: tenth (part). See also: Genesis 8:5; 1 Chronicles 25:17; Isaiah 6:13.
בָּֽ/עֲשִׂירִי֙
ʻăsîyrîy
H6224
"tenth"
Prep | Adj
The Hebrew word for 'tenth' is used to describe a tenth part of something, like a tenth of one's income. It can also refer to the tenth month of the year. In English Bibles, it is often translated as 'tenth' or 'tenth part'.
Definition: 1) ordinal number 1a) a tenth
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: tenth (part). See also: Genesis 8:5; 1 Chronicles 25:17; Isaiah 6:13.
בְּ/אֶחָ֣ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
לַ/חֹ֔דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
"month"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
נִרְא֖וּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
רָאשֵׁ֥י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הֶֽ/הָרִֽים
har
H2022
"mountain"
Art | N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 8:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 8:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 8:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 8:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 8:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 8:5
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 8:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 8:5
- Sermons on Genesis 8:5
Context — The Ark Rests on Ararat
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.
6After forty days Noah opened the window he had made in the ark 7and sent out a raven. It kept flying back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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 8:5 Summary
Genesis 8:5 tells us that after many months, the waters of the flood finally started to go down, and the tops of the mountains became visible. This was an important sign that the earth was starting to become dry again, and it would soon be safe for Noah, his family, and the animals to leave the ark. This verse reminds us that God is patient and works on His own timeline, as seen in other Bible stories like the creation account in Genesis 1:1 and the story of Abraham's wait for a son in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 21:1-7. Just like the earth was renewed after the flood, we can trust that God is always working to renew and restore us, even when we can't see what's happening, and we can look forward to the promise of a new heaven and a new earth in Revelation 21:1-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the tenth month in Genesis 8:5?
The tenth month marks a significant milestone in the flood narrative, as it is the point at which the tops of the mountains became visible, indicating the waters had receded enough for the earth to start becoming habitable again, as seen in Genesis 8:5 and supported by the account of the ark coming to rest in Genesis 8:4.
How long did it take for the waters to recede to the point where the mountains were visible?
According to Genesis 8:3-5, the waters receded steadily for 150 days, and then it took additional time until the tenth month for the tops of the mountains to become visible, showing God's patience and timing in the flood narrative, similar to His patience in other accounts like Genesis 1:1 and the creation story.
What does the visibility of the mountain tops signify in the context of the flood?
The visibility of the mountain tops signifies that the floodwaters had receded enough for the earth to start becoming visible again, which is a crucial step towards the renewal of the earth and the eventual exit of Noah and the animals from the ark, as described in Genesis 8:6-14 and referenced in the larger story of God's redemption in the Bible, such as in Isaiah 54:9-10.
How does Genesis 8:5 relate to the overall story of the flood in Genesis?
Genesis 8:5 is a pivotal verse in the flood narrative, as it marks the beginning of the end of the flood and the start of a new chapter in God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with Noah in Genesis 9:1-17, which is reminiscent of God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and His larger plan of salvation throughout the Bible, including in Romans 8:20-21.
Reflection Questions
- What does the patience of God in the flood narrative teach us about His character and how can we apply that to our own lives?
- How does the image of the mountains becoming visible after the flood relate to our own experiences of waiting for God to reveal His plan or purpose in our lives?
- What role does faith play in waiting for God's timing, as seen in Noah's experience in the ark, and how can we cultivate that kind of faith in our own lives?
- In what ways can we see God's redemption and restoration at work in the world around us, just as the earth was renewed after the flood, and how can we participate in that work?
- How does the story of the flood and the renewal of the earth encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision in our own lives?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 8:5
And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month,.... That is, from the seventeenth of the seventh month, to the first of the tenth month, a space of two months and thirteen days, and being
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 8:5
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. Tops of the mountains seen.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 8:5
Genesis 8:5 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.Ver. 5. The waters decreased.] Not all on the sudden, but by little and little, for exercise of Noah’ s faith. "He that believeth maketh not haste". God limiteth our sufferings for time, manner, and measure. Joseph was a prisoner till the time came. Smyrna was in tribulation for ten days. Physic must have a time to work; and gold must lie some while in the fire. "In the opportunity of time," saith Peter, "God will exalt you." Prescribe not to him, with those Bethulians in Judith; but wait his leisure, and let him do what is good in his own eyes. He waits a fit season to show us mercy, and thinks as long of the time as we do.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 8:5
(5) Seen.—See Note on Genesis 8:4.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 8:5
5 (P). the tenth month] Another date is here given. The tops of other mountains were visible on the 1st day of the 10th month. Reckoning 30 days for a month, we thus have an interval of 73 days between the grounding of the ark upon the mountains of Ararat and the visibility of the other mountains. tops of the mountains] This detail in the narrative suggests that Ararat was thought to be a lonely peak towering above all the neighbouring mountains.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 8:5
5. Waters decreased — Hebrews, the waters were going and decreasing (steadily decreasing) until the tenth month.
Sermons on Genesis 8:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |