When Did the Waters Really Recede?
In this article, you will learn how Genesis 8:5 contradicts Genesis 7:24, Genesis 8:4 and Genesis 7:19-20. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The story of Noah's Ark is one of the most iconic biblical narratives, but a closer look reveals some intriguing contradictions regarding when the floodwaters actually receded. Genesis 8:5 suggests that the floodwaters kept decreasing until the first day of the tenth month, when the tops of the mountains could finally be seen. This verse implies a gradual decline over a considerable period, highlighting God's promise to restore safety to the world.
However, this seems to conflict with several earlier verses. Genesis 7:24 tells us that the waters prevailed on the earth for 150 days. This suggests a prolonged presence of floodwaters without mention of any decline. Furthermore, Genesis 8:4 states that the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat in the seventh month, well before the tenth month when mountain tops became visible. This indicates not only that the waters decreased enough for the ark to rest but also questions why it took additional months for mountain tops to become visible.
Additionally, Genesis 7:19-20 claims that the waters covered even the highest mountains during the flood. This relentless coverage contrasts with Genesis 8:5, which details a gradual receding of waters by the tenth month. The persistence of water in one account and its gradual recession in another represent differing narratives.
It's a bit like watching a movie and then reading the book it's based on, only to discover that certain key details don’t match. These apparent contradictions invite deeper examination and interpretation. As one ponders these differences, it raises questions about how such stories were recorded and transmitted over time. Are these variations meant to focus on different theological themes, or are they simply literary nuances? Understanding these narratives is essential for those seeking to grasp the full meaning of this ancient text.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Genesis 8:5 | And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth [month], on the first [day] of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen. [decreased...: Heb. were in going and decreasing] |
| 2. | Genesis 7:24 | And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days. |
| 3. | Genesis 8:4 | And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. |
| 4. | Genesis 7:19-20 | And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that [were] under the whole heaven, were covered. |