Genesis 7:20
What does Genesis 7:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 7:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 7:20 means
The waters rose fifteen cubits (approximately 22.5 feet, or about 6.8 meters) above the highest mountains, ensuring that even the tallest peaks were submerged. This specific measurement, in relation to the mountain tops, further confirms the unprecedented depth and global extent of the flood. It illustrates that no refuge could be found on land, emphasizing the totality of the destruction and the absolute certainty that all life outside the ark perished. All human attempts to escape God's judgment were futile.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The waters went fifteen cubits higher, till all the mountains were covered.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862fifteen cubits upwards have the waters become mighty, and the mountains are covered;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The water was fifteen cubits higher than the mountains which it covered.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Fifteen cubits upward the waters prevailed; and the mountains were covered.
Context
This verse provides a precise measurement of the flood's depth relative to the mountain peaks, detailing the extreme extent of the inundation previously described. It immediately precedes the grim account of all terrestrial life perishing. This specific numerical detail underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment, leaving no doubt about the flood's devastating impact.
v.19And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high mountains that were under the whole heaven were covered.
v.20This passage
v.21And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both birds, and cattle, and beasts, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 104:6
Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a vesture; The waters stood above the mountains.
- Jeremiah 3:23
Truly in vain is the help that is looked for from the hills, the tumult on the mountains: truly in Jehovah our God is the salvation of Israel.
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