Genesis 8:8
Genesis 8:8 in Multiple Translations
Then Noah sent out a dove to see if the waters had receded from the surface of the ground.
Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
And he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
And he sent out a dove, to see if the waters had gone from the face of the earth;
Then he sent a dove out to see if the waters had gone down enough to expose dry ground.
Againe he sent a doue from him, that he might see if the waters were diminished from off the earth.
And he sendeth forth the dove from him to see whether the waters have been lightened from off the face of the ground,
He himself sent out a dove to see if the waters were abated from the surface of the ground,
Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
He sent forth also a dove after him, to see if the waters had now ceased upon the face of the earth.
Then Noah sent out a dove to find out if the water had all receded on the ground.
So Noah let a pigeon go out of the window. But the flood water still covered the ground, and the pigeon couldn’t find a place to stop and rest, so it went back to the big boat. Noah held out his hand for the bird, and he helped it back into the boat.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 8:8
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 8:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְשַׁלַּ֥ח
אֶת
הַ/יּוֹנָ֖ה
מֵ/אִתּ֑/וֹ
לִ/רְאוֹת֙
הֲ/קַ֣לּוּ
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
מֵ/עַ֖ל
פְּנֵ֥י
הָֽ/אֲדָמָֽה
וַ/יְשַׁלַּ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/יּוֹנָ֖ה
yôwnâh
H3123
dove
Art | N-fs
מֵ/אִתּ֑/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep | Suff
לִ/רְאוֹת֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הֲ/קַ֣לּוּ
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
Part | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Art | N-mp
מֵ/עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
הָֽ/אֲדָמָֽה
ʼădâmâh
H127
land
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 8:8
וַ/יְשַׁלַּ֥ח
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.
הַ/יּוֹנָ֖ה
yôwnâh
H3123
"dove"
Art | N-fs
Represents a dove, possibly due to the warmth of their mating, and is also used to describe a pigeon. This bird is often seen as a symbol of peace and gentleness in the Bible.
Definition: dove, pigeon
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: dove, pigeon. See also: Genesis 8:8; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 56:1.
מֵ/אִתּ֑/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
לִ/רְאוֹת֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
הֲ/קַ֣לּוּ
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
Part | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
הַ/מַּ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מֵ/עַ֖ל
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.
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הָֽ/אֲדָמָֽה
ʼădâmâh
H127
"land"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.
Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.
Study Notes — Genesis 8:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 8:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 8:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 8:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 8:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 8:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 8:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 8:8
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 8:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 8:8
- Sermons on Genesis 8:8
Context — Noah Sends a Raven and a Dove
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. 10Noah waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Song of Solomon 2:14 | O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the crevices of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your countenance is lovely. |
| 2 | Song of Solomon 1:15 | How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how very beautiful! Your eyes are like doves. |
| 3 | Matthew 10:16 | Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. |
| 4 | Genesis 8:10–12 | Noah waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. And behold, the dove returned to him in the evening with a freshly plucked olive leaf in her beak. So Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. And Noah waited seven more days and sent out the dove again, but this time she did not return to him. |
| 5 | Song of Solomon 2:11–12 | For now the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers have appeared in the countryside; the season of singing has come, and the cooing of turtledoves is heard in our land. |
Genesis 8:8 Summary
In Genesis 8:8, Noah sends out a dove to see if the floodwaters have gone down, showing that he is looking for a sign that it's safe to leave the ark. This verse teaches us about waiting on God's timing and trusting in His plan, just like Noah did (as seen in Psalm 27:14). The dove's journey also reminds us that God cares about every detail of His creation, from the smallest bird to the largest mountain. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn to be patient and trust in God's goodness, just like Noah did, and remember that God is always working towards a new beginning, as promised in Isaiah 43:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Noah send out a dove after sending out a raven in Genesis 8:7?
Noah sent out a dove to see if the waters had receded from the surface of the ground, as the dove would not return if it found a place to rest, unlike the raven which kept flying back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth, as seen in Genesis 8:7.
What does the dove represent in this context?
The dove in Genesis 8:8 represents a symbol of peace and hope, as it was sent out to determine if the floodwaters had receded, and later when it returned with an olive leaf in Genesis 8:11, it signified that God had provided a new beginning.
How long did Noah wait before sending out the dove again in Genesis 8:10?
Noah waited seven more days before sending out the dove from the ark again, as stated in Genesis 8:10, demonstrating his patience and trust in God's plan.
What can we learn from Noah's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Noah's actions that he was diligent in seeking God's will and timing, as he waited for the right moment to send out the dove, and this can be applied to our own lives as we seek to follow God's plan, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about Noah's trust in God's provision and timing?
- How does the sending out of the dove relate to our own experiences of waiting on God's promises?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of patience and trust, as seen in Noah's actions, to our own lives?
- What does the image of the dove searching for a place to rest evoke in our understanding of God's care for His creation?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 8:8
Also he sent forth a dove from him,.... Seven days after he had sent out the raven, as in Genesis 8:10 to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground; for the dove is a creature
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 8:8
Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground; Also he sent forth a dove.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 8:8
The dove flies lower and longer than the raven, and is more sociable and familiar with man, and more constant to its accustomed dwelling, and more loving and faithful to its mate, and therefore more likely to return with some discovery.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 8:8
Genesis 8:8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;Ver. 8. Also he sent forth a dove.] A bird that being swift and simple, willingly "flies" back "to his windows," through love and faithfulness to his mate and young. Besides, he fleeth a long while together, and very near the ground, and so was fitter for this service. Josephus saith, that he came into the ark with his feet and wings wet and dirty, which could not but be good news to Noah. Plutarch affirmeth, that Deucalion sent a dove to try whether the waters were dried: Satan est Dei simia .
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 8:8
(8, 9) He sent forth a dove . . . —From the nature of its food, the raven had not brought back to Noah any special information; but as the dove feeds on vegetable products, he hopes that he shall learn by her means what is the state of “the ground,” the low-lying adâmâh. But as this species of bird does not fly far from its home, except when assembled in vast numbers, it quickly returned, finding water all around. This proves that the ark had not settled upon a lofty eminence; for as it had been already aground 120 days, and as within another fortnight the waters had “abated from off the earth,” it could only have been in some valley or plain among the mountains of Ararat that the waters were thus “on the face of the whole earth,” the larger word, yet which certainly does not mean here the whole world, but only a very small region in the immediate neighbourhood of the ark. For, supposing that the raven was sent out one week before the dove, forty-seven days (see Genesis 8:6) would have elapsed since Noah beheld the glorious panorama of mountain heights all around, and seven days afterwards the dove brought him a freshplucked olive-leaf. Yet, literally, the words are, for waters were upon the face of the whole earth. Plainly these large terms in the language of the Bible are to be limited in their interpretation by the general tenor of its narratives. For a similar conclusive instance, comp. Exodus 9:6 with Exodus 9:19-20.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 8:8
Verse 8. He sent forth a dove] The dove was sent forth thrice; the first time she speedily returned, having, in all probability, gone but a little way from the ark, as she must naturally be terrified at the appearance of the waters. After seven days, being sent out a second time, she returned with an olive leaf pluckt off, Genesis 8:11, an emblem of the restoration of peace between God and the earth; and from this circumstance the olive has been the emblem of peace among all civilized nations. At the end of the other seven days the dove being sent out the third time, returned no more, from which Noah conjectured that the earth was now sufficiently drained, and therefore removed the covering of the ark, which probably gave liberty to many of the fowls to fly off, which circumstance would afford him the greater facility in making arrangements for disembarking the beasts and reptiles, and heavy-bodied domestic fowls, which might yet remain. See Genesis 8:17.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 8:8
8. a dove] The definite article is used also here, though there would have been seven pairs of doves. From the opening clause of Gen 8:10, we may conclude that the narrative here was originally fuller, and that this verse must have begun “and he stayed seven days.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 8:8
8. Also he sent forth a dove — Rather, the dove; so well known from this event. Probably seven days after the raven had been sent forth, (Aben Ezra, Kimchi, Knobel,) for Genesis 8:10 states, that he waited yet other seven days.
Sermons on Genesis 8:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The New Creation and the New Fall by Bill Randles | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of two different kinds of people in the new world. He emphasizes that while some can thrive in corruption and feed off it, others |
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Epistle 60 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing the pure essence of God within us, which guides us towards spiritual growth and obedience to His will. He encourag |
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How to Get on Fire for God by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three keys to getting on fire for God. The first key is faith, which is described as believing in the promises of God and finding joy and pea |
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(Biographies) Adoniram Judson by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding the deposit of the gospel with fences. He warns against the consequences of not protecting the truth of the gospel |
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Freedom From Fear and Worry by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of freedom from fear and worry. He begins by discussing the prediction made by Jesus about unprecedented fear in the last days. He |
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Road to Reality - Invest in the Harvest- Matt 7 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K. P. Ohanan shares a powerful story from the mission field in India. He describes encountering a village where a man was possessed by hundreds of demons an |
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Abiding in His Word by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a man named Shayser who was given a Bible while he was in prison. Despite the prison warden's warning that he could only have the Bi |