Devine Scripture

Genesis 7:4

What does Genesis 7:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 7:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 7:4 means

God informs Noah that the flood will commence in precisely seven days, after which rain will fall for forty days and forty nights. This declaration signifies an appointed time for divine judgment, a period of grace culminating in universal destruction. The phrase "every living thing that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the ground" starkly underscores the totality of the coming judgment, reiterating God's intent to cleanse the earth of its pervasive wickedness and highlighting the urgency of Noah's final preparations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living thing that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the ground.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living thing that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the ground.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For after seven days I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, for the destruction of every living thing which I have made on the face of the earth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for after other seven days I am sending rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and have wiped away all the substance that I have made from off the face of the ground.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For yet a while, and after seven days, I will rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights: and I will destroy every substance that I have made, from the face of the earth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For in yet seven days I will cause it to rain on the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living being which I have made will I destroy from the ground.

Context

This verse provides the critical timeline for the impending flood, acting as a divine countdown after the instructions for entering the ark and gathering animals. It directly precedes Noah's obedient response, linking God's command to Noah's action. This clear timeline builds suspense and emphasizes the direct, immediate consequence of God's pronouncement.

v.3of the birds also of the heavens, seven and seven, male and female, to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.

v.4This passage

v.5And Noah did according unto all that Jehovah commanded him.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 7:10

    And it came to pass after the seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth.

  • Genesis 7:12

    And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.

  • Genesis 8:12

    And he stayed yet other seven days, and sent forth the dove; and she returned not again unto him any more.

  • Amos 4:7

    And I also have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest; and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered.

  • Genesis 29:27

    Fulfil the week of this one, and we will give thee the other also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.

  • Genesis 6:17

    And I, behold, I do bring the flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is in the earth shall die.

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