Genesis 8:7
Genesis 8:7 in Multiple Translations
and sent out a raven. It kept flying back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth.
And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.
and he sent forth a raven, and it went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.
Noah sent out a raven, which went this way and that till the waters were gone from the earth.
and sent a raven out. It flew back and forth until the water on the earth had dried up.
And sent forth a rauen, which went out going forth and returning, vntill the waters were dried vp vpon the earth.
and he sendeth forth the raven, and it goeth out, going out and turning back till the drying of the waters from off the earth.
and he sent out a raven. It went back and forth, until the waters were dried up from the earth.
And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, till the waters were dried from off the earth.
Which went forth and did not return, till the waters were dried up upon the earth.
The raven flew back and forth to and from the boat until the water was completely gone.
So he let a crow go out of the window. The crow didn’t come back to the big boat. It just kept on flying around until the flood waters dried up.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 8:7
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 8:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְשַׁלַּ֖ח
אֶת
הָֽ/עֹרֵ֑ב
וַ/יֵּצֵ֤א
יָצוֹא֙
וָ/שׁ֔וֹב
עַד
יְבֹ֥שֶׁת
הַ/מַּ֖יִם
מֵ/עַ֥ל
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
וַ/יְשַׁלַּ֖ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָֽ/עֹרֵ֑ב
ʻôrêb
H6158
raven
Art | N-ms
וַ/יֵּצֵ֤א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יָצוֹא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Ptc
וָ/שׁ֔וֹב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
יְבֹ֥שֶׁת
yâbêsh
H3001
to wither
V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/מַּ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
מֵ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 8:7
וַ/יְשַׁלַּ֖ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָֽ/עֹרֵ֑ב
ʻôrêb
H6158
"raven"
Art | N-ms
A raven is a dark-colored bird, first mentioned in the Bible as the bird Noah released from the ark in Genesis 8:7. The word is used to describe its dusky hue. It is a symbol of God's care in the Bible.
Definition: raven
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: raven. See also: Genesis 8:7; Job 38:41; Psalms 147:9.
וַ/יֵּצֵ֤א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
יָצוֹא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
וָ/שׁ֔וֹב
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.
עַד
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.
יְבֹ֥שֶׁת
yâbêsh
H3001
"to wither"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to wither or dry up, like a plant without water. It can also mean to be ashamed or disappointed. The Bible uses it to describe things that have lost their freshness or vitality.
Definition: 1) to make dry, wither, be dry, become dry, be dried up, be withered 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be dry, be dried up, be without moisture 1a2) to be dried up 1b) (Piel) to make dry, dry up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to dry up, make dry 1c1a) to dry up (water) 1c1b) to make dry, wither 1c1c) to exhibit dryness
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away). See also: Genesis 8:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 22:16.
הַ/מַּ֖יִם
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/אָֽרֶץ
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 8:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 8:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 8:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 8:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 8:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 8:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 8:7
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 8:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 8:7
- Sermons on Genesis 8:7
Context — Noah Sends a Raven and a Dove
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.
8Then Noah sent out a dove to see if the waters had receded from the surface of the ground. 9But the dove found no place to rest her foot, and she returned to him in the ark, because the waters were still covering the surface of all the earth. So he reached out his hand and brought her back inside the ark.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 147:9 | He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 17:6 | The ravens would bring him bread and meat in the morning and evening, and he would drink from the brook. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 17:4 | And you are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” |
| 4 | Job 38:41 | Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God as they wander about for lack of food? |
| 5 | Leviticus 11:15 | any kind of raven, |
Genesis 8:7 Summary
[Genesis 8:7 tells us that Noah sent out a raven to see if the floodwaters had gone down, and the raven kept flying back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth. This shows that God was in control of the flood and its aftermath, just as He is in control of our lives (Psalm 103:19). The raven's actions also remind us to be patient and trust in God's timing, as we wait for His promises to be fulfilled (Isaiah 40:31). By studying this verse, we can learn to have faith in God's plan and provision for us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Noah send out a raven in Genesis 8:7?
Noah sent out a raven to determine if the floodwaters had receded, as seen in Genesis 8:7, and this act of faith is a reminder that we must trust in God's provision and timing, just as we see in Psalm 27:14.
What does the raven's behavior in Genesis 8:7 signify?
The raven's continuous flying back and forth indicates that it found sufficient food and shelter outside the ark, but its failure to return with a peaceful sign, like the dove in Genesis 8:8, suggests that the environment was not yet suitable for human habitation, highlighting God's concern for humanity's well-being, as expressed in Genesis 1:28-30.
How long did the raven keep flying back and forth in Genesis 8:7?
The Bible does not provide a specific duration for the raven's flight, but it is implied to have continued until the waters had dried up from the earth, as stated in Genesis 8:7, demonstrating God's patience and control over creation, as seen in Psalm 104:6-9.
What can we learn from Noah's actions in Genesis 8:7?
Noah's decision to send out a raven teaches us the importance of patiently waiting on God's timing and provision, as exemplified in Genesis 8:1-14, and trusting in His sovereignty, as declared in Romans 11:33-36.
Reflection Questions
- What does Genesis 8:7 reveal about God's character and His relationship with creation?
- How does the image of the raven flying back and forth relate to our own experiences of waiting for God's deliverance or provision?
- In what ways can we, like Noah, demonstrate faith and trust in God's plan, even when the outcome is uncertain?
- What role does patience play in our spiritual journey, and how can we cultivate it in our lives, as seen in Genesis 8:7-14?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 8:7
And he sent forth a raven,.... That by it he might make his observation, how high or low the waters were upon the earth; and the rather he sent out the raven, a bird of prey, which feeds on carrion,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 8:7
And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. Sent forth a raven - literally, the raven. The article has here the force of a certain, a particular raven (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 8:7
He sent forth a raven; a fit messenger for that purpose, because it smells dead carcasses at a great distance, and flies far, and then returneth to its former habitation with something in its bill. To and fro; Heb. going and returning; i.e. went forth hither and thither; now forward, then backward; sometimes going from the ark, and sometimes returning to the ark, though never entering into it again. Not as if she returned afterwards; the phrase implies that she never returned. And so the word until is often used, as , Michal had no child until the day of her death, i.e. never had a child. See also .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 8:7
Genesis 8:7 And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.Ver. 7. And he sent forth a raven.] Which when it is made tame, though it delights in dead carcasses, whereof Noah knew the earth was now full, yet doth not easily forget its station, but returns thereto, when nature is satisfied. Which went forth to and fro.] Fluttered about the ark, but kept out of it. Manet foris cum voce corvina, qui non habet simplicitatem columbinam. (August.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 8:7
Verse 7. He sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro] It is generally supposed that the raven flew off, and was seen no more, but this meaning the Hebrew text will not bear; ויצא יצוא ושוב vaiyetse yatso vashob, and it went forth, going forth and returning. From which it is evident that she did return, but was not taken into the ark. She made frequent excursions, and continued on the wing as long as she could, having picked up such aliment as she found floating on the waters; and then, to rest herself, regained the ark, where she might perch, though she was not admitted. Indeed this must be allowed, as it is impossible she could have continued twenty one days upon the wing, which she must have done had she not returned. But the text itself is sufficiently determinate.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 8:7
7. a raven] The Heb. and LXX give the definite article, “the raven,” which some have explained as the only male raven in the ark. But the article is idiomatically generic; cf. Genesis 8:8, Gesenius, Heb. Gr. 126, § 4. The Israelite story records the sending, first of a raven, and then, on two successive occasions, of a dove. The Babylonian account records the sending first of a dove, which returned; then of a swallow, which returned; and lastly of a raven, which turned not back. Noah, stranded with the ark on the highest point, is unable to see anything around or below him. went forth to and fro] Presumably it was preying upon floating carcases. The “to and fro” suggests the picture of its flitting backwards and forwards, near the ark.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 8:7
7. A raven — Hebrews, the raven; the well known: historic from this event. To and fro — Hebrews, it went going and returning; that is, going away from the ark and returning to it, settling upon but not entering into it.
Sermons on Genesis 8:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ravens and Doves by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discerning whether one is a raven or a dove in their actions and attitudes. He uses the analogy of clicking the mouse on th |
|
Epistle 80 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the kingdom of God and His righteousness above all earthly concerns, such as food and clothing. He encourages believers to trus |
|
When God Says "Trust Me," He Means It! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness throughout history, illustrating how He has met the needs of His people, from providing manna in the wilderness to miraculo |
|
Homily 48 - Concerning Now We Should Adorn Our Eternal Habitation With Virtue by St. Paisy of Neamt | St. Paisy of Neamt preaches about the importance of adorning our eternal habitation with virtues, comparing it to the diligence and zeal people have in constructing earthly homes. |
|
|
Tax Money in a Fish's Mouth! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God can restore what seems lost or dead in our lives with just a single word, using the story of Peter finding a coin in a fish's mouth to illustrat |
|
Finn-01 Elijah the Prophet by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of seeking philosophical answers and being pursued by God. He emphasizes the power of a word spoken in authority and how it |
|
Manifest Presence of God - Part 12 by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler delves into Revelation 3:20-21, emphasizing the importance of attentiveness to the Lord's knock on the door of our hearts, signaling His desire for communion with u |