Devine Scripture

Genesis 8:11

What does Genesis 8:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 8:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 8:11 means

The dove's return at evening, carrying a freshly plucked olive leaf, provided Noah with the first tangible evidence that the waters had significantly abated and vegetation was beginning to reappear. The olive leaf symbolized new life and hope, signifying that dry land was emerging and suitable for plant growth. This discovery confirmed that the deeper layers of water had receded enough for trees to begin sprouting, signaling a turning point in the drying process and a reason for hope within the ark.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and the dove came in to him at eventide; and, lo, in her mouth an olive-leaf plucked off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and the dove came in to him at eventide; and, lo, in her mouth an olive-leaf plucked off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the dove came back at evening, and in her mouth was an olive-leaf broken off: so Noah was certain that the waters had gone down on the earth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the dove cometh in unto him at even-time, and lo, an olive leaf torn off in her mouth; and Noah knoweth that the waters have been lightened from off the earth.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And she came to him in the evening carrying a bough of an olive tree, with green leaves, in her mouth. Noe therefore understood that the waters were ceased upon the earth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the dove came to him at eventide; and behold, in her beak was an olive-leaf plucked off; and Noah knew that the waters had become low on the earth.

Context

This verse describes the pivotal result of Noah's second sending of the dove (verse 10). The olive leaf is a clear and hopeful sign, providing concrete proof that the waters are not only receding but that life is also beginning to flourish. This tangible evidence significantly refines Noah's understanding of the earth's condition, moving him closer to the end of his time in the ark.

v.10And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;

v.11This passage

v.12And he stayed yet other seven days, and sent forth the dove; and she returned not again unto him any more.

Cross references

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

  • Nehemiah 8:15

    and that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and branches of wild olive, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.

  • Zechariah 4:12

    And I answered the second time, and said unto him, What are these two olive-branches, which are beside the two golden spouts, that empty the golden oil out of themselves?

  • Romans 10:15

    and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!

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