Devine Scripture

Genesis 8:8

What does Genesis 8:8 mean?

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

What Genesis 8:8 means

After the raven's inconclusive flight, Noah sent out a dove, seeking a more precise indication of the earth's dryness. The dove, unlike the raven, requires dry ground to rest and build a nest, making it a better indicator of truly habitable conditions. Noah's intention was "to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground," demonstrating his careful and persistent methodology in evaluating the land's readiness for resettlement. This action reveals Noah's continued patience and his reliance on specific animal behavior for information.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he sent out a dove, to see if the waters had gone from the face of the earth;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he sendeth forth the dove from him to see whether the waters have been lightened from off the face of the ground,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He sent forth also a dove after him, to see if the waters had now ceased upon the face of the earth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he sent out the dove from him, to see if the waters had become low on the ground.

Context

Following the raven's flight in verse 7, which offered only limited insight, Noah's decision to send a dove marks a more strategic approach to assessing the state of the earth. This action shows Noah's persistence and his understanding of different bird behaviors. The dove's mission sets up the subsequent verses, where its return or non-return provides critical information about the receding waters.

v.7and he sent forth a raven, and it went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.

v.8This passage

v.9but 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.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 10:16

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

  • Song of Solomon 2:11

    For, lo, the winter is past; The rain is over and gone;

  • Song of Solomon 2:14

    O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, In the covert of the steep place, Let me see thy countenance, Let me hear thy voice; For sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.

  • Song of Solomon 1:15

    Behold, thou art fair, my love; Behold thou art fair; Thine eyes are as doves.

  • Genesis 8:10

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

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