Genesis 8:9

Genesis 8:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But 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.

King James Version KJV

But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark.

American Standard Version ASV

but the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him to the ark; for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: and he put forth his hand, and took her, and brought her in unto him into the ark.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But the dove saw no resting-place for her foot, and came back to the ark, for the waters were still over all the earth; and he put out his hand, and took her into the ark.

Free Bible Version FBV

But the dove couldn't find anywhere to land. So it came back to Noah in the ark because water was still covering the whole earth. He reached out his hand, picked up the dove, and took it back into the ark with him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But the doue found no rest for the sole of her foote: therefore she returned vnto him into the Arke (for the waters were vpon the whole earth) and he put forth his hand, and receiued her, and tooke her to him into the Arke.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the dove hath not found rest for the sole of her foot, and she turneth back unto him, unto the ark, for waters [are] on the face of all the earth, and he putteth out his hand, and taketh her, and bringeth her in unto him, unto the ark.

World English Bible WEB

but the dove found no place to rest her foot, and she returned into the ship to him, for the waters were on the surface of the whole earth. He put out his hand, and took her, and brought her to him into the ship.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned to him into the ark; for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. Then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in to him into the ark.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But she, not finding where her foot might rest, returned to him into the ark: for the waters were upon the whole earth: and he put forth his hand, and caught her, and brought her into the ark.

Translation for Translators T4T

But the dove did not find any place to perch, so it flew back to Noah in the boat, because there was still water all over the surface of the earth. So Noah reached out his hand and took the dove back inside the boat.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 8:9

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 8:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/לֹֽא מָצְאָה֩ הַ/יּוֹנָ֨ה מָנ֜וֹחַ לְ/כַף רַגְלָ֗/הּ וַ/תָּ֤שָׁב אֵלָי/ו֙ אֶל הַ/תֵּבָ֔ה כִּי מַ֖יִם עַל פְּנֵ֣י כָל הָ/אָ֑רֶץ וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֤ח יָד/וֹ֙ וַ/יִּקָּחֶ֔/הָ וַ/יָּבֵ֥א אֹתָ֛/הּ אֵלָ֖י/ו אֶל הַ/תֵּבָֽה

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

מָצְאָה֩ mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Qal-Perf-3fs

הַ/יּוֹנָ֨ה yôwnâh H3123 dove Art | N-fs

מָנ֜וֹחַ mânôwach H4494 resting N-cs

לְ/כַף kaph H3709 palm Prep | N-fs

רַגְלָ֗/הּ regel H7272 foot N-fs | Suff

וַ/תָּ֤שָׁב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

אֵלָי/ו֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/תֵּבָ֔ה têbâh H8392 ark Art | N-fs

כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj

מַ֖יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face N-cp

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֤ח shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יָד/וֹ֙ yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff

וַ/יִּקָּחֶ֔/הָ lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

וַ/יָּבֵ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֹתָ֛/הּ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

אֵלָ֖י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/תֵּבָֽה têbâh H8392 ark Art | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 8:9

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

מָצְאָה֩ mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)

Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

הַ/יּוֹנָ֨ה 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.

מָנ֜וֹחַ mânôwach H4494 "resting" N-cs

This term refers to a place or state of rest, like a quiet spot to settle down, as described in the Bible. It represents a condition of peace and tranquility. Rest is a key concept.

Definition: 1) resting place, state or condition of rest, place 1a) resting place 1b) rest, repose, condition of rest 1c) coming to rest

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (place of) rest. See also: Genesis 8:9; 1 Chronicles 6:16; Isaiah 34:14.

לְ/כַף kaph H3709 "palm" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.

Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)

Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.

רַגְלָ֗/הּ regel H7272 "foot" N-fs | Suff

This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.

Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)

Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.

וַ/תָּ֤שָׁב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

אֵלָי/ו֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

הַ/תֵּבָ֔ה têbâh H8392 "ark" Art | N-fs

The word tebáh means ark, like the vessel Noah built or the basket that held Moses as a baby. It is often translated as ark in the Bible.

Definition: 1) ark 1a) vessel which Noah built 1b) basket vessel in which Moses was placed

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: ark. See also: Genesis 6:14; Genesis 7:23; Exodus 2:5.

כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

מַ֖יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" 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.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" 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.

פְּנֵ֣י 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.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֤ח shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-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.

יָד/וֹ֙ yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

וַ/יִּקָּחֶ֔/הָ lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

וַ/יָּבֵ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֹתָ֛/הּ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

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.

אֵלָ֖י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

הַ/תֵּבָֽה têbâh H8392 "ark" Art | N-fs

The word tebáh means ark, like the vessel Noah built or the basket that held Moses as a baby. It is often translated as ark in the Bible.

Definition: 1) ark 1a) vessel which Noah built 1b) basket vessel in which Moses was placed

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: ark. See also: Genesis 6:14; Genesis 7:23; Exodus 2:5.

Study Notes — Genesis 8:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 8:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 8:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 8:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 8:9
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 8:9
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 8:9
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 8:9
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 8:9
Sermons on Genesis 8:9

Context — Noah Sends a Raven and a Dove

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. 11And 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Matthew 11:28	Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
2	Psalms 116:7	Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
3	Deuteronomy 28:65	Among those nations you will find no repose, not even a resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you a trembling heart, failing eyes, and a despairing soul.
4	John 16:33	I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”
5	Isaiah 60:8	Who are these who fly like clouds, like doves to their shelters?
6	Ezekiel 7:16	The survivors will escape and live in the mountains, moaning like doves of the valley, each for his own iniquity.

Genesis 8:9 Summary

Genesis 8:9 tells us that after the flood, a dove was sent out by Noah to see if the waters had gone down, but she couldn't find any place to land because the water was still covering everything. This shows that even though the flood was ending, it wasn't yet safe for animals or people to live outside the ark. It reminds us of God's promise in Genesis 9:11 that he would never again destroy the earth with a flood, and it points forward to the time when God would create a new heaven and a new earth, as promised in Isaiah 65:17. Just like the dove needed a safe place to rest, we all need a safe and peaceful place, which God promises to those who trust in him (Psalm 91:1-2).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the dove return to Noah in the ark?

The dove returned to Noah because she found no place to rest her foot, indicating the waters were still covering the earth, as stated in Genesis 8:9. This shows that the floodwaters had not yet receded, a fact also mentioned in Genesis 7:24 where it says the waters prevailed on the earth for 150 days.

What does the dove represent in this context?

The dove in Genesis 8:9 represents a symbol of peace and a test of whether the earth was habitable again after the flood, similar to its use in Genesis 8:11 where it returns with an olive leaf, signifying peace and new life. This symbolism is also seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Matthew 3:16 where the Holy Spirit descends like a dove.

Why did Noah reach out his hand to bring the dove back into the ark?

Noah reached out his hand to bring the dove back into the ark because the dove had found no place to rest outside, indicating the earth was not yet ready for new life, as seen in Genesis 8:9. This act of kindness by Noah shows his care for the creatures in his charge, reflecting God's command in Genesis 6:20 to save every kind of animal.

How does this event relate to the larger story of the flood?

The dove's return to the ark in Genesis 8:9 is a pivotal moment in the flood narrative, marking a transition towards the end of the flood and the beginning of a new era for humanity and the animals, as promised by God in Genesis 9:11-17.

Reflection Questions

What does the dove's inability to find rest outside the ark reveal about the state of the world after the flood, and how can this inform our understanding of God's judgment and redemption?
How does Noah's action of bringing the dove back into the ark reflect his role as a steward of God's creation, and what lessons can we learn from his example?
In what ways can we see the dove's return as a symbol of God's patience and care for his creation, and how should this impact our trust in God's sovereignty?
What parallels can be drawn between the dove's search for a place to rest and our own search for peace and rest in a chaotic world, and how does Genesis 8:9 offer hope in this regard?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 8:9

But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, [and] she returned unto him into the ark,.... It being a creature that feeds upon seeds it picks off from the ground, and loving cleanness, it

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 8:9

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 8:9

The dove found no rest for the sole of her foot; because the tops of the hills which then appeared were either muddy and dirty, or unobserved by the dove, as not soaring so high; whence the doves are emphatically called the doves of the valleys, . He took her, and pulled her in; her former acquaintance with Noah, and her present necessity, making her more tractable.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 8:9

Genesis 8:9 But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters [were] on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark.Ver. 9. And the dove found no rest.] No more doth man’ s soul (God’ s turtle) till it rest in God. Domine , saith St Augustine, fecisti nos ad te, ideoque cor nostrum inquietam est, donec requieverit in te. Hic finis nostrae formationis , saith another, ut homo sit templum Dei, et Deus ara hominis . How oft doth the good soul cry, "Oh that I had the wings of a dove!" &c. Or, if that "Oh" will not set him at liberty, she takes up that "Woe" to express her misery: "Woe is me that I sojourn in Mesech," &c. "My heart panteth," ñçøäø, as merchants run from country to country. - Bucholc.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 8:9

(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.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 8:9

9. no rest] Compare the Babylonian description, “the dove went to and fro; as there was no resting-place, it turned back.” Clearly the account in these verses implies that only water was visible: it represents an earlier stage than that in Genesis 8:5 (P). put forth his hand] The description is one of great beauty and simplicity. The dove trusted Noah: the ark was its only home. The dove was only for a short time absent from the ark.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 8:9

9. No rest for the sole of her foot — The state of the earth is thus graphically and beautifully described.

Sermons on Genesis 8:9

	Sermon	Description
	The Holy Spirit—let Him Come by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking the message of God seriously. He warns that we will all face judgment one day and stand before God to give an accou
	The Dove of Noah's Ark by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher uses vivid imagery to describe the world as God saw and judged it. He compares it to a dark and desolate place, satisfied with its own corruption and e
	The Winged Fowl of Scripture by Ian Paisley	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Noah and the dove as a symbol of service. The dove was sent out to see if the waters had receded from the earth, but it found no
	Evidence of His Love by Charles E. Cowman	Charles E. Cowman preaches about trusting God's timing and faithfulness, emphasizing that God knows when to provide visible signs of encouragement and when to withhold them. He enc
	The Revival Hymn by Compilations	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mission to spread the word of God. He shares a story about the Moravian missions and how their purpose was for the land
	Effectual Fervent Prayer by Corrie Ten Boom	In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing their reliance on God's strength and their desire to be a channel for His living water. They then pray for various individuals, inc
	A Man of God by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon reflects on a 70-year journey of faith, witnessing various church tragedies and worldly events, yet remaining steadfast by looking up to Jesus, reading the Word, and fo