Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Genesis, Chapter 8בראשית 8

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Flood judgment does not simply stop; it is reversed by remembered divine mercy and by a patient re-ordering of the world. The narrative opens with the crucial statement that God remembered Noah, and that remembered regard becomes effective action: wind passes over the earth, the deep and the heavens are restrained, the waters begin to recede, and the ark comes to rest. The movement is intentionally slow. Mountain tops appear, birds are sent out, and the earth is tested again and again before the preserved remnant is allowed to step outside. It therefore treats renewed inhabitation not as an automatic rebound from catastrophe but as a carefully governed transition from judgment to habitability. The same God who once closed Noah in now controls the pace of emergence into the new world. When the narrative reaches dry ground, it also makes clear that this is not simply a return to the old world on unchanged terms. The first action outside the ark is worship: Noah builds an altar and offers from the clean animals and birds. Divine acceptance of that offering leads not to a denial of human corruption, but to a sober resolve to sustain the earth's rhythms despite it. Seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night are pledged continuity in a world where the human heart is still bent toward evil from youth. It therefore binds remembered mercy, measured recession of the waters, renewed fruitfulness, sacrifice, and divine forbearance into the narrative where the world begins again under grace, but not under illusion about the human condition.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. The turning point of the flood cycle arrives here: the violence of the waters does not simply stop, but is reversed under divine initiative and by carefully dated stages. Verse 1's statement that God remembered Noah should not be heard as prior forgetfulness; in biblical idiom זכר regularly signals covenantal regard issuing in effective action. The notice that God caused a רוח to pass over the earth intentionally recalls the earlier creation setting, especially Genesis 1:2, so that the recession of the flood has the character of a new ordering of the world. Verse 2 closes the fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven that had been opened in Genesis 7, marking the judgment as now restrained from both below and above. Its chronological notices are unusually exact, tracing the ark's resting, the gradual appearance of the mountains, the forty-day interval before Noah opens the window, and the final drying of the earth. The raven and dove sequence in vv.6-12 is best read narratively, with the dove functioning as the clearer indicator of habitable land. Verse 11's olive leaf is the sign that vegetation has re-emerged, and טרף there is best taken as a freshly plucked leaf. Noah's first act on dry ground is to build an altar and offer from the clean animals and birds, showing that preservation leads to worship. Verse 21's pleasing aroma and YHWH's saying to his heart are anthropomorphic expressions of divine acceptance and resolve, and the narrative closes with a pledge to preserve the regular rhythms of the earth despite the continuing inclination of the human heart toward evil. Versification follows the MT.

1

וַיִּזְכֹּ֤ר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת נֹ֔חַ וְאֵ֤ת כָּל הַֽחַיָּה֙ וְאֶת כָּל הַבְּהֵמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִתּ֖וֹ בַּתֵּבָ֑ה וַיַּעֲבֵ֨ר אֱלֹהִ֥ים ר֨וּחַ֙ עַל הָאָ֔רֶץ וַיָּשֹׁ֖כּוּ הַמָּֽיִם

But God remembered Noah, and every living creature, and every beast that was with him in the ark; and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided.

pivotbut God remembered
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיִּזְכֹּ֤רand he rememberedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · זָכַר (H2142)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceזָכַר (H2142) 'to remember'; covenantal recall issuing in effective action, not prior forgetfulness.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיִּזְכֹּראֱלֹהִים (H430) plural-form divine title; takes singular verbs in Israel's monotheism; subject of the flood reversal.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking definite direct object; untranslated in English.
נֹ֔חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Direct object (primary)נֹחַ (H5146) 'Noah'; the righteous survivor; name linked to נוּחַ 'rest' — theologically apt for the ark resting.
וְאֵ֤תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ coordinates second direct object; אֵת (H853) marks it definite.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct quantifier (head of phrase)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct head introducing each category of living creature God remembered.
הַֽחַיָּה֙the living creaturesart + N f sg abs · חַיָּה (H2416)Direct object (second member)חַיָּה (H2416) 'living creature, wild animal'; all non-domesticated creatures aboard; balanced by הַבְּהֵמָה.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (third object)אֵת (H853) marks הַבְּהֵמָה as the third definite direct object of זָכַר.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct quantifier (second instance)כֹּל (H3605) second use; introduces הַבְּהֵמָה to complete the pair of creature categories remembered.
הַבְּהֵמָ֔הthe cattleart + N f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Direct object (third member)בְּהֵמָה (H929) 'livestock, domestic animals'; paired with הַחַיָּה to comprehend the full animal world on the ark.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834) general relative particle; introduces the clause modifying the animals — 'that were with him.'
אִתּ֖וֹwith himprep אֵת + suff 3ms · אֵת (H854)Adverbial prepositional phrase (accompaniment)אֵת (H854) 'with, together with'; distinct from the obj-marker H853; marks accompanying presence.
בַּתֵּבָ֑הin the arkprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · תֵּבָה (H8392)Locative prepositional phraseתֵּבָה (H8392) 'ark, chest'; the vessel constructed by Noah; rare word, also used for Moses' basket.
וַיַּעֲבֵ֨רand he caused to passconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (second main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָבַר (H5674) Hiphil 'to cause to pass over'; deliberate echo of Gen 1:2 — the recession is cast as new creation.
אֱלֹהִ֥יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיַּעֲבֵר (explicit)אֱלֹהִים (H430) repeated as explicit subject of the second clause, underlining divine agency in the reversal.
ר֨וּחַ֙a windN c sg abs · רוּחַ (H7307)Direct object of וַיַּעֲבֵררוּחַ (H7307) 'wind, spirit, breath'; echoes Gen 1:2 — the divine wind over waters signals new-creation reversal of flood.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Directional prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; the wind moves over the surface mirroring Gen 1:2 where the Spirit hovered מְרַחֶפֶת.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prep עַלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the whole flooded earth is the object over which the divine wind moves.
וַיָּשֹׁ֖כּוּand subsidedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שָׁכַךְ (H7918)Predicate verb (result clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁכַךְ (H7918) 'to subside, be quiet'; rare; the waters settle after violent surging — direct result of the wind.
הַמָּֽיִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of וַיָּשֹׁכּוּמַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; the flood waters respond to the divine wind by subsiding — the reversal is underway.
2

וַיִּסָּֽכְרוּ֙ מַעְיְנֹ֣ת תְּה֔וֹם וַֽאֲרֻבֹּ֖ת הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם וַיִּכָּלֵ֥א הַגֶּ֖שֶׁם מִן הַשָּׁמָֽיִם

Then the fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were shut, and the rain from the heavens was restrained.

resultthen
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיִּסָּֽכְרוּ֙were shutconj וְ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3mp · סָכַר (H5534)Predicate verb (Niphal passive)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceסָכַר (H5534) 'to shut, close'; Niphal passive — the fountains are shut by divine restraint, reversing Gen 7:11.
מַעְיְנֹ֣תfountains ofN m pl constr · מַעְיָן (H4599)Subject (construct head)מַעְיָן (H4599) 'spring, fountain'; the subterranean sources of the great deep, opened at the flood's onset.
תְּה֔וֹםthe deepN c sg abs · תְּהוֹם (H8415)Construct chain (genitival)תְּהוֹם (H8415) 'the primordial deep, abyss'; the cosmic subterranean waters; echoes Gen 1:2 and 7:11.
וַֽאֲרֻבֹּ֖תand the windows ofconj וְ + N f pl constr · אֲרֻבָּה (H699)Subject (second member, coordinated)אֲרֻבָּה (H699) 'window, sluice, floodgate'; the heavenly openings through which rain poured (Gen 7:11).
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Construct chain (genitival)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens'; the celestial vault whose windows were opened for the flood and are now closed.
וַיִּכָּלֵ֥אwas restrainedconj וְ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · כָּלָא (H3607)Predicate verb (second clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceכָּלָא (H3607) 'to restrain, withhold'; Niphal passive — the rain is withheld, directly reversing the outpouring of Gen 7.
הַגֶּ֖שֶׁםthe rainart + N m sg abs · גֶּשֶׁם (H1653)Subject of וַיִּכָּלֵאגֶּשֶׁם (H1653) 'rain, downpour'; the same rain that fell forty days (Gen 7:12) is now shut off.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Ablative prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from'; marks the source from which the rain was restrained — the heavens closed above.
הַשָּׁמָֽיִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Object of prep מִןשָׁמַיִם (H8064) repeated; both upper waters (rain) and lower waters (deep) are now sealed — full reversal of Gen 7:11.
3

וַיָּשֻׁ֧בוּ הַמַּ֛יִם מֵעַ֥ל הָאָ֖רֶץ הָל֣וֹךְ וָשׁ֑וֹב וַיַּחְסְר֣וּ הַמַּ֔יִם מִקְצֵ֕ה חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים וּמְאַ֖ת יֽוֹם

And the waters receded from upon the earth, continually receding, and the waters diminished at the end of one hundred and fifty days.

mainlineand
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיָּשֻׁ֧בוּand recededconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, recede'; the waters actively retreat — the dominant verb of the flood's reversal.
הַמַּ֛יִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of וַיָּשֻׁבוּמַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; subject of the recession verbs; the great flood tide begins its reversal.
מֵעַ֥לfrom uponprep מִן + prep עַל · עַל (H5921)Ablative prepositional phraseמֵעַל compound prep מִן + עַל 'from upon'; marks recession off the earth's surface — the water retreating downward.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prep מֵעַלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the flooded surface that is now gradually re-emerging as waters recede.
הָל֣וֹךְgoingQal inf abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Inf abs (progressive intensifier)→ Inf abs: durative — continual, progressive recessionהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; inf abs paired with וָשׁוֹב; the idiom הָלוֹךְ וָשׁוֹב denotes continual gradual movement.
וָשׁ֑וֹבand returningconj וְ + Qal inf abs · שׁוּב (H7725)Inf abs (paired with הָלוֹךְ)→ Inf abs: progressive — repeated ebbing and flowingשׁוּב (H7725) second inf abs; paired infinitives (הָלוֹךְ וָשׁוֹב) idiom for slow, continuous back-and-forth recession.
וַיַּחְסְר֣וּand diminishedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָסֵר (H2637)Predicate verb (second main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָסֵר (H2637) 'to diminish, decrease, lack'; the waters measurably reduced over the 150-day period.
הַמַּ֔יִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of וַיַּחְסְרוּ (explicit)מַיִם (H4325) repeated as explicit subject of the second clause, emphasizing the measurable water-level drop.
מִקְצֵ֕הat the end ofprep מִן + N c sg constr · קָצֶה (H7097)Temporal prepositional phraseקָצֶה (H7097) 'end, extremity'; with מִן marks the terminal point of a time span — after 150 days exactly.
חֲמִשִּׁ֥יםfiftynumeral c pl abs · חֲמִשִּׁים (H2572)Numeral (first element of date)חֲמִשִּׁים (H2572) 'fifty'; combined with וּמְאַת 'hundred' to yield 150 days total — matching Gen 7:24.
וּמְאַ֖תand a hundredconj וְ + numeral c sg constr · מֵאָה (H3967)Coordinated numeralמֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; Hebrew counts 150 as fifty-and-hundred; the total corresponds to Gen 7:24.
יֽוֹםdaysN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Measure noun (accusative of time)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the unit measuring the flood's duration and the beginning of precisely dated recession.
4

וַתָּ֤נַח הַתֵּבָה֙ בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י בְּשִׁבְעָה עָשָׂ֥ר י֖וֹם לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ עַ֖ל הָרֵ֥י אֲרָרָֽט

And the ark came to rest in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

milestoneand
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַתָּ֤נַחcame to restconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · נוּחַ (H5117)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנוּחַ (H5117) 'to rest, settle'; the ark settles — echoes Noah's name (נֹחַ) and anticipates Sabbath rest imagery.
הַתֵּבָה֙the arkart + N f sg abs · תֵּבָה (H8392)Subject of וַתָּנַחתֵּבָה (H8392) 'ark, chest'; the whole vessel carrying preserved humanity and animals; subject of the resting verb.
בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁin the monthprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Temporal prepositional phraseחֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'month, new moon'; part of the precise calendar system distinguishing this flood account.
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔יthe seventhart + ordinal m sg abs · שְׁבִיעִי (H7637)Attributive adjective (modifying month)שְׁבִיעִי (H7637) 'seventh'; from שֶׁבַע; the seventh month counted from the flood's onset in month two (Gen 7:11).
בְּשִׁבְעָהon the seventeenthprep בְּ + numeral m sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Temporal prepositional phrase (day)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; the lower unit of the compound date 'seventeen' (7+10); precise dating marks divine control.
עָשָׂ֥רtennumeral m sg abs · עָשָׂר (H6240)Coordinated numeral (compound date)עָשָׂר (H6240) 'ten'; with שֶׁבַע forms 'seventeen'; the compound day-number in the formal date notice.
י֖וֹםdayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Measure noun (appositive to date)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the unit of the day-count in the date formula — standard in flood chronology.
לַחֹ֑דֶשׁof the monthprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Adverbial genitive of timeחֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'month'; lamed + article formula 'of the month' is the standard Hebrew calendar idiom for ordinal dates.
עַ֖לuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, on top of'; the ark rested on the mountain peaks, not buried in them.
הָרֵ֥יthe mountains ofN m pl constr · הַר (H2022)Object of prep עַל (construct head)הַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill'; plural construct introduces the place-name; the Ararat range, not a single peak.
אֲרָרָֽטAraratproper noun · אֲרָרָט (H780)Genitival proper nounאֲרָרָט (H780) 'Ararat'; the mountainous region of Urartu (Akkadian); in modern eastern Turkey and Armenia.
5

וְהַמַּ֗יִם הָיוּ֙ הָל֣וֹךְ וְחָס֔וֹר עַ֖ד הַחֹ֣דֶשׁ הָֽעֲשִׂירִ֑י בָּֽעֲשִׂירִי֙ בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ נִרְא֖וּ רָאשֵׁ֥י הֶֽהָרִֽים

And the waters continued going down until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen.

Background continuation: the recession proceeds until the mountains appearוְהַמַּיִם
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְהַמַּ֗יִםand the watersconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject (topicalized, fronted)מַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; fronted as topic, providing background information on the ongoing recession.
הָיוּ֙continuedQal perf 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Auxiliary verb (periphrastic with inf abs)→ Perfective: sustained state — 'kept going and diminishing'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; here functions as auxiliary with inf abs pair for progressive/durative aspect.
הָל֣וֹךְgoingQal inf abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Inf abs (periphrastic with הָיוּ)→ Inf abs: progressive/durative — continual goingהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go'; first of the paired inf abs; together with וְחָסוֹר describes steady, ongoing recession.
וְחָס֔וֹרand diminishingconj וְ + Qal inf abs · חָסֵר (H2637)Inf abs (paired with הָלוֹךְ)→ Inf abs: progressive — continual decreaseחָסֵר (H2637) 'to diminish, decrease'; second inf abs; the water-level steadily dropping throughout this period.
עַ֖דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal limit particleעַד (H5704) 'until, up to'; marks the terminal point — the waters receded up to the tenth month.
הַחֹ֣דֶשׁthe monthart + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Object of prep עַד (temporal)חֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'month'; part of the date formula marking the endpoint of the prolonged recession.
הָֽעֲשִׂירִ֑יthe tenthart + ordinal m sg abs · עֲשִׂירִי (H6224)Attributive adjective (modifying month)עֲשִׂירִי (H6224) 'tenth'; ordinal from עֶשֶׂר; the tenth month as the point when mountains first become visible.
בָּֽעֲשִׂירִי֙in the tenthprep בְּ + art + ordinal m sg abs · עֲשִׂירִי (H6224)Temporal prepositional phrase (resumed frame)עֲשִׂירִי (H6224) repeated; the second clause re-anchors the temporal frame before giving the precise day.
בְּאֶחָ֣דon the firstprep בְּ + numeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Temporal prepositional phrase (day of month)אֶחָד (H259) 'one, first'; the first day of the month — precise date of the mountain-top sighting.
לַחֹ֔דֶשׁof the monthprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Adverbial genitive of timeחֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'month'; standard calendar idiom: ordinal day + לַחֹדֶשׁ specifies the day within the month.
נִרְא֖וּwere seenNiphal perf 3cp · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (Niphal passive)→ Perfective: completed emergence of mountain tops into viewרָאָה (H7200) Niphal 'to be seen, appear'; the summits became visible — a milestone marking habitability's approach.
רָאשֵׁ֥יtops ofN m pl constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Subject (construct head)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head, top, summit'; plural construct — the peaks of the mountains are the first sign of re-emerging land.
הֶֽהָרִֽיםthe mountainsart + N m pl abs · הַר (H2022)Construct chain (genitival)הַר (H2022) 'mountain'; the mountain-tops emerging from the flood — the first visible sign of the new world returning.
6

וַֽיְהִ֕י מִקֵּ֖ץ אַרְבָּעִ֣ים י֑וֹם וַיִּפְתַּ֣ח נֹ֔חַ אֶת חַלּ֥וֹן הַתֵּבָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָֽׂה

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

Narrative advance: Noah begins testing conditions outside the arkוַיְהִי
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַֽיְהִ֕יand it came to passconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Temporal frame (narrative formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be/become'; וַיְהִי formula marks a new narrative episode anchored to a time reference.
מִקֵּ֖ץat the end ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · קֵץ (H7093)Temporal prepositional phraseקֵץ (H7093) 'end'; מִקֵּץ + time-span is the standard Hebrew formula for 'after X period has elapsed.'
אַרְבָּעִ֣יםfortynumeral c pl abs · אַרְבָּעִים (H705)Numeral (measure of the time span)אַרְבָּעִים (H705) 'forty'; echoes the forty days of rain (Gen 7:12, 17) — the same number now marks Noah's waiting.
י֑וֹםdaysN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Measure noun (temporal)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the unit: forty days after mountains appeared Noah opens the window.
וַיִּפְתַּ֣חopenedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · פָּתַח (H6605)Predicate verb (main action)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּתַח (H6605) 'to open'; Noah's first active decision — he opens the window to begin testing the earth's habitability.
נֹ֔חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Subject of וַיִּפְתַּחנֹחַ (H5146) 'Noah'; the first named human actor in this chapter; takes initiative after measured waiting.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking חַלּוֹן as the definite direct object of פָּתַח.
חַלּ֥וֹןwindow ofN c sg constr · חַלּוֹן (H2474)Direct object (construct head)חַלּוֹן (H2474) 'window'; an opening in the ark's structure, distinct from the heavenly floodgates (אֲרֻבֹּת).
הַתֵּבָ֖הthe arkart + N f sg abs · תֵּבָה (H8392)Construct chain (genitival)תֵּבָה (H8392) 'ark'; the vessel whose window Noah opens — beginning the bird-testing sequence.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifying ark)אֲשֶׁר (H834) general relative particle; the brief relative clause identifies this as the ark Noah himself built.
עָשָֽׂהhe had madeQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Relative clause predicate→ Perfective: completed past act (prior to main narrative)עָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do'; refers back to Noah's obedient construction of the ark in Gen 6:14-22.
7

וַיְשַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת הָֽעֹרֵ֑ב וַיֵּצֵ֤א יָצוֹא֙ וָשׁ֔וֹב עַד יְבֹ֥שֶׁת הַמַּ֖יִם מֵעַ֥ל הָאָֽרֶץ

And he sent out the raven, and it went out, going out and returning, until the waters dried up from upon the earth.

First bird mission: the raven is sent out as an initial testוַיְשַׁלַּח
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיְשַׁלַּ֖חand he sent outconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send out, dispatch'; Noah's deliberate act of releasing the raven as a reconnaissance bird.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking הָעֹרֵב as the definite direct object of שָׁלַח.
הָֽעֹרֵ֑בthe ravenart + N m sg abs · עֹרֵב (H6158)Direct objectעֹרֵב (H6158) 'raven'; the first bird sent out; carrion-eater whose behavior is ambiguous — it does not return.
וַיֵּצֵ֤אand it went outconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (second clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, depart'; the raven exits the ark — its subsequent behavior describes aimless roaming.
יָצוֹא֙going outQal inf abs · יָצָא (H3318)Inf abs (intensifier with וַיֵּצֵא)→ Inf abs: durative — persistent, restless going outיָצָא (H3318) inf abs paired with וָשׁוֹב; the idiom describes the raven's restless back-and-forth until waters dried.
וָשׁ֔וֹבand returningconj וְ + Qal inf abs · שׁוּב (H7725)Inf abs (paired with יָצוֹא)→ Inf abs: progressive — repeated departing and returningשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; paired inf abs (יָצוֹא וָשׁוֹב) describes the raven's circular, indefinite flight pattern.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal limit particleעַד (H5704) 'until'; marks the endpoint of the raven's roaming — until the waters dried from the earth.
יְבֹ֥שֶׁתthe drying ofQal inf constr · יָבֵשׁ (H3001)Inf constr (object of עַד)→ Inf constr: expressing the terminal eventיָבֵשׁ (H3001) 'to be dry'; inf constr with עַד gives a purpose-like temporal terminus: 'until [the] drying.'
הַמַּ֖יִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of inf constr יְבֹשֶׁתמַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; the subject of the drying event that sets the terminal limit of the raven's roaming.
מֵעַ֥לfrom uponprep מִן + prep עַל · עַל (H5921)Ablative prepositional phraseמֵעַל compound prep 'from upon'; the waters drying from the earth's surface — same idiom as v.3.
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prep מֵעַלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the surface from which the waters eventually dry — framing the raven episode.
8

וַיְשַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת הַיּוֹנָ֖ה מֵאִתּ֑וֹ לִרְאוֹת֙ הֲקַ֣לּוּ הַמַּ֔יִם מֵעַ֖ל פְּנֵ֥י הָֽאֲדָמָֽה

And he sent out the dove from with him to see whether the waters had abated from upon the face of the ground.

Second bird mission: the dove is sent to test whether the ground is clearingוַיְשַׁלַּח
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיְשַׁלַּ֥חand he sent outconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send out'; Noah shifts to the dove as a more reliable indicator of habitable land.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking הַיּוֹנָה as the definite direct object.
הַיּוֹנָ֖הthe doveart + N f sg abs · יוֹנָה (H3123)Direct objectיוֹנָה (H3123) 'dove'; a bird returning to roost over water — its behavior provides a clearer test than the raven.
מֵאִתּ֑וֹfrom with himprep מִן + prep אֵת + suff 3ms · אֵת (H854)Ablative prepositional phrase (accompaniment)אֵת (H854) 'with'; מֵאִתּוֹ 'from with him' — the dove departs from Noah's immediate presence on the ark.
לִרְאוֹת֙to seeprep לְ + Qal inf constr · רָאָה (H7200)Inf constr (purpose clause)→ Inf constr: expressing purpose — in order to seeרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; inf constr with לְ expresses the purpose of sending the dove: to discern ground conditions.
הֲקַ֣לּוּwhether had abatedinterrog הֲ + Qal perf 3cp · קָלַל (H7043)Indirect question (object of לִרְאוֹת)→ Perfective: completed abatement (hypothetical)קָלַל (H7043) 'to be light, diminish, abate'; the dove is sent to ascertain whether the flood waters had lightened.
הַמַּ֔יִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of הֲקַלּוּמַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; the subject of the question — had the waters sufficiently receded for land to be accessible?
מֵעַ֖לfrom uponprep מִן + prep עַל · עַל (H5921)Ablative prepositional phraseמֵעַל compound prep 'from upon'; describes the waters lifting from the surface of the ground.
פְּנֵ֥יface ofN c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Object of prep מֵעַל (construct head)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, surface'; plural construct 'face of the ground' — the surface layer, echoing Gen 1:2.
הָֽאֲדָמָֽהthe groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Construct chain (genitival)אֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, soil'; the cultivable earth — the specific concern is whether plant life has re-emerged.
9

וְלֹֽא מָצְאָה֩ הַיּוֹנָ֨ה מָנ֜וֹחַ לְכַף רַגְלָ֗הּ וַתָּ֤שָׁב אֵלָיו֙ אֶל הַתֵּבָ֔ה כִּי מַ֖יִם עַל פְּנֵ֣י כָל הָאָ֑רֶץ וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח יָדוֹ֙ וַיִּקָּחֶ֔הָ וַיָּבֵ֥א אֹתָ֛הּ אֵלָ֖יו אֶל הַתֵּבָֽה

But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned to him, to the ark, because the waters were over the face of all the earth. Then he stretched out his hand and took her and brought her to himself into the ark.

Negative result: the first dove mission shows that the earth is still uninhabitableוְלֹא
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וְלֹֽאbut notconj וְ + negative · לֹא (H3808)Negative (adversative conjunction)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; with וְ introduces the adverse result of the first dove mission — a negative finding.
מָצְאָה֩she foundQal perf 3fs · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb (negated)→ Perfective: completed searching without resultמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; the dove found no resting place — a definitive negative test result for habitable ground.
הַיּוֹנָ֨הthe doveart + N f sg abs · יוֹנָה (H3123)Subject of מָצְאָה (postposed)יוֹנָה (H3123) 'dove'; subject stated explicitly after the verb and negative — the dove found no rest for her foot.
מָנ֜וֹחַa resting placeN c sg abs · מָנוֹחַ (H4494)Direct object of מָצְאָהמָנוֹחַ (H4494) 'resting place, rest'; from נוּחַ; the dove finds no place to alight — earth is still inundated.
לְכַףfor the sole ofprep לְ + N f sg constr · כַּף (H3709)Benefactive prepositional phrase (indirect object)כַּף (H3709) 'palm, sole'; כַף רֶגֶל 'sole of the foot' — the dove needs a dry surface to land and perch.
רַגְלָ֗הּher footN f sg constr + suff 3fs · רֶגֶל (H7272)Construct chain (genitival)רֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot, leg'; with כַּף forms the idiom 'sole of foot' — the specific test of dry ground for landing.
וַתָּ֤שָׁבand she returnedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; the dove's return to Noah confirms the earth is still uninhabitable.
אֵלָיו֙to himprep אֶל + suff 3ms · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; the dove returns to Noah — the relationship between man and bird is tenderly narrated.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, into'; a second directional prep specifying the destination — the ark itself.
הַתֵּבָ֔הthe arkart + N f sg abs · תֵּבָה (H8392)Object of prep אֶלתֵּבָה (H8392) 'ark'; the dove returns specifically to the ark — her only refuge while the earth is submerged.
כִּיbecauseconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; introduces the explanatory reason for the dove's return: waters still covering all the earth.
מַ֖יִםwatersN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject (verbless clause)מַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; subject of the verbless clause — 'waters [were] upon the face of all the earth.'
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Predicate of verbless clauseעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; marks the ubiquitous coverage — waters over the entire surface of the earth.
פְּנֵ֣יface ofN c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct chain (surface reference)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, surface'; phrasing echoes Gen 1:2 — the condition of the face of the earth before creation's ordering.
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; emphasizes the total inundation — not a patch remains dry anywhere on earth.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the totality of earth's surface is still submerged — confirming uninhabitability.
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤חand he stretched outconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) Qal 'to extend, stretch out'; here with יָד — Noah reaches out his hand toward the returning dove.
יָדוֹ֙his handN c sg constr + suff 3ms · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וַיִּשְׁלַחיָד (H3027) 'hand'; Noah's outstretched hand to retrieve the dove — an intimate gesture of care for the bird.
וַיִּקָּחֶ֔הָand took herconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + suff 3fs · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol with obj suffix)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, receive'; Noah takes the dove into his hand — the suffix 3fs is the dove.
וַיָּבֵ֥אand broughtconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring, cause to enter'; Noah brings the dove back inside the ark.
אֹתָ֛הּherobj marker + suff 3fs · אֵת (H853)Direct object (obj marker with suffix)אֵת (H853) with 3fs suffix functions as direct object pronoun 'her' — referring to the dove.
אֵלָ֖יוto himselfprep אֶל + suff 3ms · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; with 3ms suffix 'to himself' — Noah draws the dove back to his person inside the ark.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'into, toward'; specifies the destination — the dove is brought back into the ark.
הַתֵּבָֽהthe arkart + N f sg abs · תֵּבָה (H8392)Object of prep אֶלתֵּבָה (H8392) 'ark'; the ark remains the refuge — Noah tenderly retrieves the dove and places her back inside.
10

וַיָּ֣חֶל ע֔וֹד שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִ֖ים אֲחֵרִ֑ים וַיֹּ֛סֶף שַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת הַיּוֹנָ֖ה מִן הַתֵּבָֽה

Then he waited yet another seven days, and again he sent out the dove from the ark.

Temporal progression: Noah waits a measured interval before testing the earth againוַיָּחֶל
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיָּ֣חֶלand he waitedconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · חוּל (H2342)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחוּל (H2342) Piel 'to wait, tarry'; Noah waits another seven days before re-sending the dove — patient discernment.
ע֔וֹדstilladverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb (continuative)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet, again'; marks continuation of the waiting pattern — yet another interval before testing.
שִׁבְעַ֥תsevennumeral m sg constr · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Numeral (head of time phrase)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; the seven-day interval — the same sabbatical unit as in Gen 7:4 and 7:10.
יָמִ֖יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Measure noun (temporal)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; seven days — the rhythmic interval that structures Noah's patient waiting and testing.
אֲחֵרִ֑יםotheradj m pl abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjective (modifying יָמִים)אַחֵר (H312) 'other, another'; marks this as a second round of waiting — another seven days beyond the first.
וַיֹּ֛סֶףand again heconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb (iterative auxiliary)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָסַף (H3254) Hiphil 'to add, do again'; serves as an auxiliary 'he again did X'; marks the repeated sending.
שַׁלַּ֥חsent outPiel inf constr · שָׁלַח (H7971)Inf constr (complement of וַיֹּסֶף)→ Inf constr: completing the auxiliary יָסַףשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send out'; inf constr as complement to יָסַף — 'he again sent out the dove.'
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking הַיּוֹנָה as definite object of the sending.
הַיּוֹנָ֖הthe doveart + N f sg abs · יוֹנָה (H3123)Direct objectיוֹנָה (H3123) 'dove'; the same dove sent again after the seven-day interval — a second reconnaissance.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Ablative prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from'; marks the departure point — the dove is sent out from the ark itself.
הַתֵּבָֽהthe arkart + N f sg abs · תֵּבָה (H8392)Object of prep מִןתֵּבָה (H8392) 'ark'; the dispatch point for the dove's second mission — the ark remains the center of operations.
11

וַתָּבֹ֨א אֵלָ֤יו הַיּוֹנָה֙ לְעֵ֣ת עֶ֔רֶב וְהִנֵּ֥ה עֲלֵה זַ֖יִת טָרָ֣ף בְּפִ֑יהָ וַיֵּ֣דַע נֹ֔חַ כִּי קַ֥לּוּ הַמַּ֖יִם מֵעַ֥ל הָאָֽרֶץ

And the dove came to him at evening time, and behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the waters had abated from upon the earth.

Positive sign: the dove's return now brings evidence that the earth is recoveringוַתָּבֹא
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַתָּבֹ֨אand she cameconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; the dove returns — unlike the raven, she comes back, but now bearing a sign.
אֵלָ֤יוto himprep אֶל + suff 3ms · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; the dove returns to Noah specifically — the relationship between Noah and the dove is central.
הַיּוֹנָה֙the doveart + N f sg abs · יוֹנָה (H3123)Subject (postposed)יוֹנָה (H3123) 'dove'; subject stated after the verb — the narrative focuses first on the action, then names the actor.
לְעֵ֣תat the time ofprep לְ + N c sg constr · עֵת (H6256)Temporal prepositional phraseעֵת (H6256) 'time, season'; לְעֵת עֶרֶב 'at the time of evening' — the dove returns at dusk, a natural homing time.
עֶ֔רֶבeveningN m sg abs · עֶרֶב (H6153)Construct chain (genitival, time reference)עֶרֶב (H6153) 'evening, dusk'; the time of the dove's return — evening is when doves naturally return to roost.
וְהִנֵּ֥הand beholdconj וְ + presentative · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (dramatic attention)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; draws vivid attention to what follows — the surprising detail the reader sees with Noah.
עֲלֵהa leaf ofN m sg constr · עָלֶה (H5929)Subject (verbless clause of description)עָלֶה (H5929) 'leaf, foliage'; construct before זַיִת — 'a leaf of olive'; vegetation alive means the flood has receded.
זַ֖יִתoliveN m sg abs · זַיִת (H2132)Construct chain (genitival)זַיִת (H2132) 'olive tree'; the olive leaf signals re-emerged vegetation — the tree survives inundation and re-sprouts quickly.
טָרָ֣ףfreshly pluckedadj m sg abs · טָרָף (H2965)Attributive adjective (modifying עֲלֵה)טָרָף (H2965) 'freshly torn/plucked'; a hapax in this form — the leaf is newly plucked, proving living trees are accessible.
בְּפִ֑יהָin her mouthprep בְּ + N m sg constr + suff 3fs · פֶּה (H6310)Locative prepositional phraseפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; the olive leaf is in the dove's beak — a tangible, visible token of recovered vegetation.
וַיֵּ֣דַעso Noah knewconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol — result)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָדַע (H3045) 'to know, discern'; Noah draws the inference — the olive leaf is evidence that the waters have abated.
נֹ֔חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Subject of וַיֵּדַע (postposed)נֹחַ (H5146) 'Noah'; subject stated after the verb; his interpretive act — reading the sign provided by the dove.
כִּיthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer (object clause)כִּי (H3588) here functions as a complementizer introducing the content of what Noah knew — recessive waters.
קַ֥לּוּhad abatedQal perf 3cp · קָלַל (H7043)Predicate verb (object clause)→ Perfective: completed abatement at the time of inferenceקָלַל (H7043) 'to be light, diminish, abate'; the waters have lightened — the olive leaf confirms what the verb declares.
הַמַּ֖יִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of קַלּוּמַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; the flood waters have measurably diminished — confirmed by the dove's olive-leaf sign.
מֵעַ֥לfrom uponprep מִן + prep עַל · עַל (H5921)Ablative prepositional phraseמֵעַל 'from upon'; same compound prep as v.3 — the waters receding from the surface of the earth.
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prep מֵעַלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the earth's surface — now partially accessible to vegetation and therefore to life.
12

וַיִּיָּ֣חֶל ע֔וֹד שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִ֖ים אֲחֵרִ֑ים וַיְשַׁלַּח֙ אֶת הַיּוֹנָ֔ה וְלֹֽא יָסְפָ֥ה שׁוּב אֵלָ֖יו עֽוֹד

Then he waited yet another seven days and sent out the dove, and she did not again return to him anymore.

Final confirmation: the dove's non-return signals that stable life outside the ark has become possibleוַיִּיָּחֶל
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּיָּ֣חֶלand he waitedconj וְ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָחַל (H3176)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָחַל (H3176) Niphal 'to wait, hope'; a second root for waiting (vs. H2342 in v.10) — patient, hopeful expectancy.
ע֔וֹדyetadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb (continuative)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet'; marks the third and final round of the dove-sending pattern — yet again seven days.
שִׁבְעַ֥תsevennumeral m sg constr · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Numeral (head of time phrase)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; the recurring seven-day interval — three rounds of seven days structure the dove sequence.
יָמִ֖יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Measure noun (temporal)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the third seven-day period — Noah's patient, rhythmic testing of habitability.
אֲחֵרִ֑יםotheradj m pl abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjective (modifying יָמִים)אַחֵר (H312) 'other, another'; the third interval distinguished as yet another set of days beyond the previous two.
וַיְשַׁלַּח֙and sent outconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send out'; the third and final dispatch of the dove — the decisive test.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking הַיּוֹנָה as the definite direct object of שָׁלַח.
הַיּוֹנָ֔הthe doveart + N f sg abs · יוֹנָה (H3123)Direct objectיוֹנָה (H3123) 'dove'; sent for the third time — her non-return will serve as the final signal.
וְלֹֽאand no longerconj וְ + negative · לֹא (H3808)Negative (adversative)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; with וְ frames the decisive result — the dove does not return, confirming habitable land exists.
יָסְפָ֥הshe continuedQal perf 3fs · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb (negated)→ Perfective: completed cessation of returningיָסַף (H3254) 'to add, continue'; with לֹא = 'she did not again' — the dove ceased to return, a positive sign.
שׁוּבto returnQal inf constr · שׁוּב (H7725)Inf constr (complement of יָסְפָה)→ Inf constr: expressing the action that ceasedשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; inf constr complementing יָסַף — 'she did not continue to return' = she did not come back.
אֵלָ֖יוto himprep אֶל + suff 3ms · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; the dove did not return to Noah — she found land and stayed, signaling dry ground is habitable.
עֽוֹדanymoreadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb (terminal — no longer)עוֹד (H5750) 'again, anymore'; the final עוֹד marks absolute termination — the dove is gone for good, earth is livable.
13

וַֽ֠יְהִי בְּאַחַ֨ת וְשֵׁשׁ מֵא֜וֹת שָׁנָ֗ה בָּֽרִאשׁוֹן֙ בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ חָֽרְב֥וּ הַמַּ֖יִם מֵעַ֣ל הָאָ֑רֶץ וַיָּ֤סַר נֹ֨חַ֙ אֶת מִכְסֵ֣ה הַתֵּבָ֔ה וַיַּ֕רְא וְהִנֵּ֥ה חָֽרְב֖וּ פְּנֵ֥י הָֽאֲדָמָֽה

And it came to pass in the six hundred first year, in the first month, on the first day of the month, that the waters had dried up from upon the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and behold, the surface of the ground had dried.

narrative progressionand it came to pass
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַֽ֠יְהִיand it came to passconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Temporal frame (narrative formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; וַיְהִי introduces the pivotal date-notice that opens the earth-drying section.
בְּאַחַ֨תin the firstprep בְּ + numeral f sg abs · אַחַת (H259)Temporal prepositional phrase (year number)אַחַת (H259) 'one'; combined with the hundreds and hundreds to yield year 601 of Noah's life.
וְשֵׁשׁand sixconj וְ + numeral f sg abs · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Coordinated numeral (year formula)שֵׁשׁ (H8337) 'six'; the second component of the compound year: one-and-six-hundred = 601st year of Noah.
מֵא֜וֹתhundredsnumeral c pl abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Coordinated numeral (hundreds unit)מֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; the hundreds unit in the date: year 601 of Noah's life (cf. Gen 7:6 — year 600).
שָׁנָ֗הyearN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Measure noun (unit of year count)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; the unit: 601 years into Noah's life — exactly one year and ten days after the flood began.
בָּֽרִאשׁוֹן֙in the first monthprep בְּ + art + adj m sg abs · רִאשׁוֹן (H7223)Temporal prepositional phrase (month)רִאשׁוֹן (H7223) 'first, former'; the first month of the new year — the date marks a symbolic new beginning.
בְּאֶחָ֣דon the firstprep בְּ + numeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Temporal prepositional phrase (day)אֶחָד (H259) 'one, first'; the first day of the first month — the new year's day; the precise moment of the drying.
לַחֹ֔דֶשׁof the monthprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Adverbial genitive of timeחֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'month'; the standard calendar formula specifying the day within the month.
חָֽרְב֥וּhad dried upQal perf 3cp · חָרַב (H2717)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed drying as of the date statedחָרַב (H2717) 'to be dry, desolate'; the same root used for dry land in Gen 7:22; the flood waters are gone.
הַמַּ֖יִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of חָרְבוּמַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; the flood waters are the subject — they have completely dried up from the earth.
מֵעַ֣לfrom uponprep מִן + prep עַל · עַל (H5921)Ablative prepositional phraseמֵעַל compound prep 'from upon'; marks complete removal of water from the earth's surface.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prep מֵעַלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the surface is now free of flood waters — a decisive milestone in the narrative.
וַיָּ֤סַרand removedconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · סוּר (H5493)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceסוּר (H5493) Hiphil 'to remove, take away'; Noah actively removes the ark's covering to inspect outside conditions.
נֹ֨חַ֙Noahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Subject of וַיָּסַרנֹחַ (H5146) 'Noah'; Noah takes the initiative — he removes the covering before receiving God's command to exit.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking מִכְסֵה as the definite direct object of וַיָּסַר.
מִכְסֵ֣הcovering ofN m sg constr · מִכְסֶה (H4372)Direct object (construct head)מִכְסֶה (H4372) 'covering, roof'; from כָּסָה 'to cover'; the roof or hatch of the ark that Noah removes to see outside.
הַתֵּבָ֔הthe arkart + N f sg abs · תֵּבָה (H8392)Construct chain (genitival)תֵּבָה (H8392) 'ark'; the covering being removed belongs to the ark — Noah partially opens it to look outside.
וַיַּ֕רְאand lookedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see, look'; Noah sees for himself — sight confirms what the date already asserted.
וְהִנֵּ֥הand beholdconj וְ + presentative · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (vivid introduction)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; presents the scene to the reader through Noah's perspective — vivid, experiential perception.
חָֽרְב֖וּhad driedQal perf 3cp · חָרַב (H2717)Predicate verb (object of הִנֵּה)→ Perfective: completed state — the ground is (seen to be) driedחָרַב (H2717) 'to be dry'; second use in this verse; confirms visually what was stated chronologically in v.13a.
פְּנֵ֥יface ofN c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Subject (construct head)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, surface'; the visible surface layer — contrasting the drying of the whole earth (v.13a) with its surface.
הָֽאֲדָמָֽהthe groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Construct chain (genitival)אֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, soil'; the cultivable surface — Noah sees with his eyes that the ground is indeed dried.
14

וּבַחֹ֨דֶשׁ֙ הַשֵּׁנִ֔י בְּשִׁבְעָ֧ה וְעֶשְׂרִ֛ים י֖וֹם לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ יָבְשָׁ֖ה הָאָֽרֶץ

And in the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry.

temporal progressionand
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וּבַחֹ֨דֶשׁ֙and in the monthconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Temporal prepositional phrase (month)חֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'month'; the second and final date notice — the earth is fully dry 57 days after v.13's partial drying.
הַשֵּׁנִ֔יthe secondart + ordinal m sg abs · שֵׁנִי (H8145)Attributive adjective (modifying month)שֵׁנִי (H8145) 'second'; ordinal from שְׁנַיִם; the second month — precisely the same month as the flood's beginning (Gen 7:11).
בְּשִׁבְעָ֧הon the twenty-seventhprep בְּ + numeral m sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Temporal prepositional phrase (day — lower unit)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; lower unit of 27 = seven-and-twenty; the precise final date of the flood.
וְעֶשְׂרִ֛יםand twentyconj וְ + numeral c pl abs · עֶשְׂרִים (H6242)Coordinated numeral (upper unit of date)עֶשְׂרִים (H6242) 'twenty'; with seven gives 27th day — exactly one year and seventeen days after the flood began.
י֖וֹםdayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Measure noun (appositive to date)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the unit of the compound date — the 27th day of the second month.
לַחֹ֑דֶשׁof the monthprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Adverbial genitive of timeחֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'month'; standard calendar formula closing the formal date notice — 27th of the second month.
יָבְשָׁ֖הwas dryQal perf 3fs · יָבֵשׁ (H3001)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed and total drying of the earthיָבֵשׁ (H3001) 'to be dry'; matches the root in Gen 7:22; the earth is now fully and permanently dry.
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject of יָבְשָׁהאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the whole earth — not just its surface (פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה, v.13) — is completely dry.
15

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל נֹ֥חַ לֵאמֹֽר

Then God spoke to Noah, saying,

narrative progressionthen
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand spokeconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the divine speech formula — God acts only now, after the earth is confirmed dry.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּראֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; it is God who commands the exit — Noah does not leave the ark on his own initiative.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the addressee of the divine speech — God speaks directly to Noah.
נֹ֥חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Object of prep אֶל (addressee)נֹחַ (H5146) 'Noah'; the recipient of the divine command — he waits for God's word before exiting.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Inf constr (speech introduction formula)→ Inf constr: introducing direct divine speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; לֵאמֹר is the standard Hebrew speech-introduction formula, signaling direct speech to follow.
16

צֵ֖א מִן הַתֵּבָ֑ה אַתָּ֕ה וְאִשְׁתְּךָ֛ וּבָנֶ֥יךָ וּנְשֵֽׁי בָנֶ֖יךָ אִתָּֽךְ

Go out from the ark, you and your wife and your sons and your sons' wives with you.

commandgo out
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
צֵ֖אgo outQal impv 2ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (imperative command)→ Volitional: direct divine commandיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the divine imperative to Noah — only at God's command does Noah leave the ark.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Ablative prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from'; marks the departure point — Noah is to exit the ark.
הַתֵּבָ֑הthe arkart + N f sg abs · תֵּבָה (H8392)Object of prep מִןתֵּבָה (H8392) 'ark'; the vessel to be exited — the command mirrors Gen 7:1 where God commanded Noah to enter.
אַתָּ֕הyouindependent pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject (appositive emphasis)אַתָּה (H859) 'you'; independent pronoun for emphasis — Noah is explicitly commanded and listed first among those to exit.
וְאִשְׁתְּךָ֛and your wifeconj וְ + N f sg constr + suff 2ms · אִשָּׁה (H802)Coordinated subject (second member)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; Noah's wife is the second named member — the four human couples exit together.
וּבָנֶ֥יךָand your sonsconj וְ + N m pl constr + suff 2ms · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinated subject (third member)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Noah's three sons (Shem, Ham, Japheth) are the third group in the command to exit.
וּנְשֵֽׁיand wives ofconj וְ + N f pl constr · אִשָּׁה (H802)Coordinated subject (fourth member, construct)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; plural construct before sons' names — the daughters-in-law form the fourth group.
בָנֶ֖יךָyour sonsN m pl constr + suff 2ms · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; with the 2ms suffix 'your sons' — specifies whose wives are meant, completing the construct chain.
אִתָּֽךְwith youprep אֵת + suff 2fs · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; אִתָּךְ 'with you' closes the list — all are to exit together with Noah; note 2fs form for inclusive sense.
17

כָּל הַחַיָּ֨ה אֲשֶֽׁר אִתְּךָ֜ מִכָּל בָּשָׂ֗ר בָּע֧וֹף וּבַבְּהֵמָ֛ה וּבְכָל הָרֶ֛מֶשׂ הָרֹמֵ֥שׂ עַל הָאָ֖רֶץ הוצא הַיְצֵ֣א אִתָּ֑ךְ וְשָֽׁרְצ֣וּ בָאָ֔רֶץ וּפָר֥וּ וְרָב֖וּ עַל הָאָֽרֶץ

Every living thing that is with you, of all flesh, among the birds and among the cattle and among every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, bring out with you, so that they may swarm on the earth and be fruitful and multiply upon the earth.

command elaborationevery living thing
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct quantifier (head of subject phrase)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; introduces the comprehensive list of living creatures to be brought out with Noah.
הַחַיָּ֨הthe living creaturesart + N f sg abs · חַיָּה (H2416)Direct object (subject of command, fronted)חַיָּה (H2416) 'living creature, wild animal'; the category heading — all classes of creatures follow in apposition.
אֲשֶֽׁרthatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronounאֲשֶׁר (H834) general relative particle; introduces the clause specifying which creatures — those with Noah on the ark.
אִתְּךָ֜with youprep אֵת + suff 2ms · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phrase (relative clause)אֵת (H854) 'with'; identifies the creatures as those accompanying Noah — the preserved remnant on the ark.
מִכָּלof everyprep מִן + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Partitive prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; מִכָּל introduces a partitive list — from all flesh, categorized by type.
בָּשָׂ֗רfleshN m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Partitive object (construct with מִכָּל)בָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, living body'; the generic term for all embodied creatures; encompasses all three subcategories following.
בָּע֧וֹףamong the birdsprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · עוֹף (H5775)Prepositional phrase (specifying subcategory)עוֹף (H5775) 'bird, flying creature'; the first subcategory of בָּשָׂר; the birds preserved on the ark are to go free.
וּבַבְּהֵמָ֛הand among the cattleconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Prepositional phrase (second subcategory)בְּהֵמָה (H929) 'livestock, cattle'; the second subcategory; the domestic animals preserved are to multiply on the earth.
וּבְכָלand among everyconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (third subcategory)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; introduces the third comprehensive subcategory: every creeping thing on the earth.
הָרֶ֛מֶשׂthe creeping thingsart + N m sg abs · רֶמֶשׂ (H7431)Object of prep בְּרֶמֶשׂ (H7431) 'creeping thing, small animal'; the third subcategory; all small crawling creatures preserved on the ark.
הָרֹמֵ֥שׂthat creepsart + Qal act ptc m sg abs · רָמַשׂ (H7430)Attributive participle (modifying הָרֶמֶשׂ)→ Participle: ongoing characteristic actionרָמַשׂ (H7430) 'to creep, move'; the participle is the denominative verbal form of the creature-noun רֶמֶשׂ.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, on'; the creeping thing's domain is the earth's surface — its characteristic habitat.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prep עַלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the creeping things' domain — all are to emerge and populate the earth again.
הוצאbring outHiphil impv 2ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (imperative command)→ Volitional: direct divine commandיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out'; the divine command to Noah to actively bring the creatures from the ark.
הַיְצֵ֣אbring them outHiphil impv 2ms · יָצָא (H3318)Inf abs (intensifying the imperative הוצא)→ Volitional: emphatic divine commandיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil imp used as intensifier with the same root imperative — emphatic 'do bring them out.'
אִתָּ֑ךְwith youprep אֵת + suff 2fs · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; the creatures are to come out together with Noah — the whole preserved remnant exits at once.
וְשָֽׁרְצ֣וּand let them swarmconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · שָׁרַץ (H8317)Weqatal (purpose/result clause)→ Weqatal: volitional purpose — so that they may swarmשָׁרַץ (H8317) 'to swarm, teem'; echoes Gen 1:20-21 — the creatures are to re-populate earth with the creation blessing.
בָאָ֔רֶץon the earthprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the domain for the swarming — the whole earth is to be re-populated.
וּפָר֥וּand be fruitfulconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · פָּרָה (H6509)Weqatal (coordinated purpose clause)→ Weqatal: volitional purpose — and may they be fruitfulפָּרָה (H6509) 'to be fruitful, bear fruit'; explicitly echoes the creation blessing of Gen 1:22 and 1:28.
וְרָב֖וּand multiplyconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · רָבָה (H7235)Weqatal (coordinated purpose clause)→ Weqatal: volitional purpose — and may they multiplyרָבָה (H7235) 'to be many, multiply'; completes the creation-blessing triad: swarm, be fruitful, multiply (Gen 1:22, 28).
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon'; marks the domain of multiplication — over the whole surface of the earth.
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prep עַלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the earth is to be filled again — the creation mandate renewed in a post-judgment world.
18

וַיֵּ֖צֵא נֹ֑חַ וּבָנָ֛יו וְאִשְׁתּ֥וֹ וּנְשֵֽׁי בָנָ֖יו אִתּֽוֹ

So Noah went out, with his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him.

Narrative compliance with the divine command to leave the arkוַיֵּצֵא
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיֵּ֖צֵאand went outconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol — compliance)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Noah's obedient exit — the verb matches God's imperative צֵא in v.16, showing full compliance.
נֹ֑חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Subject of וַיֵּצֵאנֹחַ (H5146) 'Noah'; exits first, as commanded — the righteous man leads the household out of the ark.
וּבָנָ֛יוand his sonsconj וְ + N m pl constr + suff 3ms · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinated subject (second member)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Noah's three sons exit with him — the same order as v.16 (men listed separately from wives).
וְאִשְׁתּ֥וֹand his wifeconj וְ + N f sg constr + suff 3ms · אִשָּׁה (H802)Coordinated subject (third member)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; Noah's wife exits with the group — note the order differs slightly from the command.
וּנְשֵֽׁיand wives ofconj וְ + N f pl constr · אִשָּׁה (H802)Coordinated subject (fourth member, construct)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; plural construct — the sons' wives complete the eight human survivors exiting the ark.
בָנָ֖יוhis sonsN m pl constr + suff 3ms · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; with 3ms suffix 'his sons' — the eight survivors of the flood (Noah, wife, 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-law).
אִתּֽוֹwith himprep אֵת + suff 3ms · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; אִתּוֹ closes the list — the whole household exits together with Noah; full compliance with v.16.
19

כָּל הַֽחַיָּ֗ה כָּל הָרֶ֨מֶשׂ֙ וְכָל הָע֔וֹף כֹּ֖ל רוֹמֵ֣שׂ עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם יָצְא֖וּ מִן הַתֵּבָֽה

Every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves upon the earth, went out from the ark by their families.

Narrative expansion from Noah's household to the animal worldכָּל
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (construct head, fronted)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; introduces the comprehensive listing of all animal kinds exiting — creation coming alive again.
הַֽחַיָּ֗הthe living creaturesart + N f sg abs · חַיָּה (H2416)Subject (first category)חַיָּה (H2416) 'living creature, wild animal'; the first category — the wild animals exit the ark in family groups.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (second head, appositive)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; introduces the second subcategory of creatures exiting — rhetorical enumeration.
הָרֶ֨מֶשׂ֙the creeping thingsart + N m sg abs · רֶמֶשׂ (H7431)Subject (second category)רֶמֶשׂ (H7431) 'creeping thing, small animal'; the small crawling creatures — all preserved kinds emerge from the ark.
וְכָלand everyconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (third head, coordinated)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; third use of כֹּל in this verse — the exhaustive list stresses that no creature was left behind.
הָע֔וֹףthe birdsart + N m sg abs · עוֹף (H5775)Subject (third category)עוֹף (H5775) 'bird, flying creature'; the birds — last mentioned, appropriate since the dove-testing preceded this exit.
כֹּ֖לeveryN m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (resumptive summary head)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; a fourth כֹּל resumes and summarizes: 'everything that moves on the earth.'
רוֹמֵ֣שׂthat movesQal act ptc m sg abs · רָמַשׂ (H7430)Attributive participle (modifying כֹּל)→ Participle: characteristic ongoing movementרָמַשׂ (H7430) 'to creep, move'; Qal ptc summarizing all creatures that move on earth — inclusive of all the categories above.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon'; the earth is the domain of movement — all land creatures exiting the ark are comprehended.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prep עַלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the earth receives back all creatures — a new populating of the world begins.
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔םby their familiesprep לְ + N f pl constr + suff 3mp · מִשְׁפָּחָה (H4940)Distributive prepositional phraseמִשְׁפָּחָה (H4940) 'family, clan'; kind-pairs preserved on the ark exit now as reproductive families — the basis for renewed diversity.
יָצְא֖וּwent outQal perf 3cp · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed act of exitingיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the simple, decisive perf records their exit — the animals comply just as Noah did in v.18.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Ablative prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from'; marks the departure point — from the ark, the preserved world re-enters the renewed earth.
הַתֵּבָֽהthe arkart + N f sg abs · תֵּבָה (H8392)Object of prep מִןתֵּבָה (H8392) 'ark'; the ark is now emptied — its purpose fulfilled; all preserved life returns to the open earth.
20

וַיִּ֥בֶן נֹ֛חַ מִזְבֵּ֖חַ לַֽיהוָ֑ה וַיִּקַּ֞ח מִכֹּ֣ל הַבְּהֵמָ֣ה הַטְּהוֹרָ֗ה וּמִכֹּל֙ הָע֣וֹף הַטָּהֹ֔ר וַיַּ֥עַל עֹלֹ֖ת בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ

Then Noah built an altar to Yahweh, and he took from every clean animal and from every clean bird and offered up burnt offerings on the altar.

Narrative response: Noah's worship after deliveranceוַיִּבֶן
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיִּ֥בֶןand builtconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּנָה (H1129)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; the first post-flood human act is construction — of an altar, not a dwelling; worship precedes habitation.
נֹ֛חַNoahproper noun · נֹחַ (H5146)Subject of וַיִּבֶןנֹחַ (H5146) 'Noah'; the builder of the altar — the first named human action outside the ark is an act of worship.
מִזְבֵּ֖חַan altarN m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object of וַיִּבֶןמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; from זָבַח 'to sacrifice'; the first altar in Genesis — Noah's worship is the prototype of sacrificial response.
לַֽיהוָ֑הto Yahwehprep לְ + proper noun · יהוה (H3068)Benefactive prepositional phrase (for/to YHWH)יהוה (H3068) the divine personal name — here first used in ch.8; Noah's worship is directed to Yahweh specifically.
וַיִּקַּ֞חand tookconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Noah selects the sacrificial animals from among the clean animals preserved on the ark.
מִכֹּ֣לfrom everyprep מִן + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Partitive prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; partitive — Noah takes from every category of clean animal, not all of them.
הַבְּהֵמָ֣הthe cattleart + N f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Object of מִכֹּל (first subcategory)בְּהֵמָה (H929) 'livestock'; the first category: clean domestic animals selected for burnt offerings.
הַטְּהוֹרָ֗הthe cleanart + adj f sg abs · טָהוֹר (H2889)Attributive adjective (modifying הַבְּהֵמָה)טָהוֹר (H2889) 'clean, pure'; the ritual distinction between clean and unclean animals predates Sinai legislation.
וּמִכֹּל֙and from everyconj וְ + prep מִן + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Partitive prepositional phrase (coordinated)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; introduces the second sacrificial category — clean birds offered alongside clean animals.
הָע֣וֹףthe birdsart + N m sg abs · עוֹף (H5775)Object of וּמִכֹּל (second subcategory)עוֹף (H5775) 'bird, flying creature'; the second category of sacrifice — the same birds tested in the dove-raven episodes.
הַטָּהֹ֔רthe cleanart + adj m sg abs · טָהוֹר (H2889)Attributive adjective (modifying הָעוֹף)טָהוֹר (H2889) 'clean'; both גenders of the adj: fem. הַטְּהוֹרָה with cattle (f.), masc. הַטָּהֹר with birds (m. coll.).
וַיַּ֥עַלand offered upconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to bring up, offer'; the technical term for presenting burnt offerings — causing them to ascend.
עֹלֹ֖תburnt offeringsN f pl abs · עֹלָה (H5930)Direct object of וַיַּעַלעֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering'; from עָלָה 'to go up'; the whole-burnt offering — the animal entirely consumed on the altar.
בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַon the altarprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Locative prepositional phraseמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; the offerings are burned on the altar Noah built — returning to the construction of v.20a.
21

וַיָּ֣רַח יְהוָה֮ אֶת רֵ֣יחַ הַנִּיחֹחַ֒ וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֶל לִבּ֗וֹ לֹֽא אֹ֠סִף לְקַלֵּ֨ל ע֤וֹד אֶת הָֽאֲדָמָה֙ בַּעֲב֣וּר הָֽאָדָ֔ם כִּ֠י יֵ֣צֶר לֵ֧ב הָאָדָ֛ם רַ֖ע מִנְּעֻרָ֑יו וְלֹֽא אֹסִ֥ף ע֛וֹד לְהַכּ֥וֹת אֶת כָּל חַ֖י כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשִֽׂיתִי

And Yahweh smelled the soothing aroma, and Yahweh said in his heart, 'I will never again curse the ground on account of humankind, for the inclination of the human heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again strike down every living thing as I have done.'

Divine response to sacrifice with an inward resolve of restraintוַיָּרַח
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
וַיָּ֣רַחand smelledconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · רוּחַ (H7306)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרוּחַ (H7306) Hiphil 'to smell, perceive'; the divine act of smelling is anthropomorphic — YHWH accepts the offering.
יְהוָה֮Yahwehproper noun · יהוה (H3068)Subject of וַיָּרַחיהוה (H3068) the Tetragrammaton; YHWH is named four times in vv.20-22 — the personal divine name in the context of covenant mercy.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking רֵיחַ as the definite direct object of וַיָּרַח.
רֵ֣יחַaroma ofN m sg constr · רֵיחַ (H7381)Direct object (construct head)רֵיחַ (H7381) 'scent, aroma, smell'; construct before הַנִּיחֹחַ — 'the aroma of soothing'; a standard sacrificial formula.
הַנִּיחֹחַ֒the soothingart + N m sg abs · נִיחוֹחַ (H5207)Construct chain (genitival)נִיחוֹחַ (H5207) 'soothing, pleasing'; from נוּחַ 'to rest'; a cultic term for the divine reception of sacrifice as calming/pleasing.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol — speech introduction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; YHWH speaks — uniquely, he speaks אֶל לִבּוֹ, an inward divine resolve rather than to another.
יְהוָ֜הYahwehproper noun · יהוה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריהוה (H3068) named again as the speaker — the divine resolve is YHWH's personal response to Noah's worship.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; the unusual idiom אֶל לִבּוֹ 'to his heart' = an inward resolve; YHWH deliberates with himself.
לִבּ֗וֹhis heartN m sg constr + suff 3ms · לֵב (H3820)Object of prep אֶללֵב (H3820) 'heart, mind, will'; the seat of thought and decision — YHWH's resolve is inward and deeply personal.
לֹֽאnevernegative · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (negating אֹסִף)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; negates the imperfect — 'I will not again' + אֹסִף forms an idiom of permanent resolve.
אֹ֠סִףwill I againHiphil impf 1cs · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb (modal imperfect)→ Yiqtol: modal/volitional — I shall not againיָסַף (H3254) Hiphil 'to add, do again'; with לֹא forms the idiom 'I will not again do X' — a permanent divine resolve.
לְקַלֵּ֨לto curseprep לְ + Piel inf constr · קָלַל (H7043)Inf constr (complement of אֹסִף)→ Inf constr: content of the resolve — not to curseקָלַל (H7043) Piel 'to curse, make light of'; God resolved never again to curse the ground as he did in Gen 3:17.
ע֤וֹדagainadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb (reinforcing the negation)עוֹד (H5750) 'again, any more'; reinforces לֹא — 'not again, ever'; the resolution is absolute and permanent.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking הָאֲדָמָה as the definite direct object of לְקַלֵּל.
הָֽאֲדָמָה֙the groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Direct object of לְקַלֵּלאֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, soil'; the same earth cursed in Gen 3:17 — YHWH resolves not to strike the ground again this way.
בַּעֲב֣וּרon account ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · עָבוּר (H5668)Causal prepositional phraseעָבוּר (H5668) 'on account of, for the sake of'; the ground will not be cursed on account of humankind's evil.
הָֽאָדָ֔םhumankindart + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Object of בַּעֲבוּר (causal)אָדָם (H120) 'human, humankind'; the generic term for humanity; the reason given is not divine anger but sober realism about humanity.
כִּ֠יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the reason for the resolve — not human goodness but divine acceptance of human limitation.
יֵ֣צֶרinclination ofN m sg constr · יֵצֶר (H3336)Subject (construct head)יֵצֶר (H3336) 'inclination, impulse, frame'; from יָצַר 'to form'; the deep-seated bent of the human will; theological key term.
לֵ֧בheart ofN m sg constr · לֵב (H3820)Construct chain (intermediate genitive)לֵב (H3820) 'heart, will, mind'; the inner center of human decision-making; the inclination of the heart is pervasively evil.
הָאָדָ֛םhumankindart + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Construct chain (genitival)אָדָם (H120) 'human, humankind'; repeated — יֵצֶר לֵב הָאָדָם is the precise phrase also used in Gen 6:5 as cause of the flood.
רַ֖עeviladj m sg abs · רַע (H7451)Predicate adjective (verbless clause)רַע (H7451) 'evil, bad'; the inclination of the human heart is characterized as רַע — the same word as Gen 6:5.
מִנְּעֻרָ֑יוfrom his youthprep מִן + N c pl constr + suff 3ms · נַעַר (H5271)Ablative prepositional phrase (temporal origin)נַעַר (H5271) 'youth, childhood'; from youth — the evil inclination is not learned behavior but a root condition of human nature.
וְלֹֽאand neverconj וְ + negative · לֹא (H3808)Negative (second resolve, coordinated)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; with וְ introduces the second and parallel resolve — 'neither will I again strike everything living.'
אֹסִ֥ףwill I againHiphil impf 1cs · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb (modal imperfect)→ Yiqtol: modal — I shall not againיָסַף (H3254) Hiphil repeated from v.21a; the double use of לֹא אֹסִף creates a formal two-part resolve of divine restraint.
ע֛וֹדagainadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb (reinforcing the negation)עוֹד (H5750) 'again, any more'; a second עוֹד reinforces the second clause — both resolves are equally absolute.
לְהַכּ֥וֹתto strike downprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · נָכָה (H5221)Inf constr (complement of אֹסִף)→ Inf constr: content of the second resolveנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite, destroy'; the flood is understood as a divine striking-down of all life.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking כָּל חַי as the definite direct object of לְהַכּוֹת.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; the scope of the second resolve — YHWH will never again strike down every living thing.
חַ֖יliving thingadj m sg abs · חַי (H2416)Object of כָּל (construct chain)חַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; the adj. used as a substantive — 'every living thing'; encompasses all creatures, not just humans.
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥רasprep כְּ + rel אֲשֶׁר · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative relative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ forms a comparator 'as, just as'; introduces the explicit reference to the flood as the comparison case.
עָשִֽׂיתִיI have doneQal perf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (comparative clause)→ Perfective: completed past act explicitly referencedעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; YHWH refers to the flood directly — 'as I have done' — acknowledging the gravity of the judgment.
22

עֹ֖ד כָּל יְמֵ֣י הָאָ֑רֶץ זֶ֡רַע וְ֠קָצִיר וְקֹ֨ר וָחֹ֜ם וְקַ֧יִץ וָחֹ֛רֶף וְי֥וֹם וָלַ֖יְלָה לֹ֥א יִשְׁבֹּֽתוּ

For all the days of the earth, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Divine assurance of the world's ongoing regularityעֹד
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
עֹ֖דwhileadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal adverb (duration)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, while, yet'; עֹד כָּל יְמֵי = 'for all the days of'; frames the pledge as covering all of earth's future time.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct quantifier (temporal phrase)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; כָּל יְמֵי הָאָרֶץ = 'all the days of the earth' — the temporal scope of the pledge: the entire future.
יְמֵ֣יdays ofN m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Construct chain (temporal head)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; יְמֵי הָאָרֶץ 'the days of the earth' — an idiom for the earth's entire lifespan, its ordered time.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the earth itself is the subject of the pledge — its rhythms will be upheld for its entire existence.
זֶ֡רַעseedtimeN m sg abs · זֶרַע (H2233)Subject (first of six paired seasons)זֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, seedtime'; from זָרַע 'to sow'; the agricultural planting season — the first of three seasonal pairs.
וְ֠קָצִירand harvestconj וְ + N m sg abs · קָצִיר (H7105)Coordinated subject (paired with זֶרַע)קָצִיר (H7105) 'harvest'; from קָצַר 'to reap'; pairs with זֶרַע — the agricultural cycle from planting to harvest will continue.
וְקֹ֨רand coldconj וְ + N m sg abs · קֹר (H7120)Coordinated subject (third member)קֹר (H7120) 'cold'; the winter cold — paired with חֹם; the thermal cycle is pledged as stable and reliable.
וָחֹ֜םand heatconj וְ + N m sg abs · חֹם (H2527)Coordinated subject (fourth member)חֹם (H2527) 'heat, warmth'; from חָמַם 'to be warm'; pairs with קֹר — cold and heat form the temperature polarity of the year.
וְקַ֧יִץand summerconj וְ + N m sg abs · קַיִץ (H7019)Coordinated subject (fifth member)קַיִץ (H7019) 'summer'; the dry, hot season — paired with חֹרֶף 'winter'; the annual seasonal cycle will not be interrupted.
וָחֹ֛רֶףand winterconj וְ + N m sg abs · חֹרֶף (H2779)Coordinated subject (sixth member)חֹרֶף (H2779) 'winter, the rainy season'; pairs with קַיִץ — summer and winter together encompass the full annual cycle.
וְי֥וֹםand dayconj וְ + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Coordinated subject (seventh member)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the diurnal cycle — paired with לַיְלָה; day and night form the most basic rhythm of created time.
וָלַ֖יְלָהand nightconj וְ + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Coordinated subject (eighth member)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; the dark half of the diurnal cycle; with יוֹם forms the day-night merism for unbroken creaturely time.
לֹ֥אshall notnegative · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (negating יִשְׁבֹּתוּ)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; negates the imperfect — 'shall not cease'; the pledge is stated as an absolute negative prediction.
יִשְׁבֹּֽתוּceaseQal impf 3mp · שָׁבַת (H7673)Predicate verb (modal imperfect)→ Yiqtol: declarative future — they shall not ceaseשָׁבַת (H7673) 'to cease, rest, stop'; echoes the Sabbath root — the seasonal rhythms will never sabbatize, never stop, never fail.