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    What Does the Bible Say About Noah's Flood?

    What Does the Bible Say About Noah's Flood? Genesis 6-9 records a catastrophic global flood sent by God as judgment on human wickedness, from which only Noah and his family were saved in an ark.

    Key verse: Genesis 6:8 (KJV)

    Genesis 6-9 records a catastrophic global flood sent by God as judgment on human wickedness, from which only Noah and his family were saved in an ark.

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    Quick Answer

    Genesis 6-9 records a catastrophic global flood sent by God as judgment on human wickedness, from which only Noah and his family were saved in an ark.

    "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD." — Genesis 6:8 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    The Flood narrative begins with God's grief over human corruption: 'it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart' (Genesis 6:6). Noah alone 'found grace in the eyes of the LORD' (Genesis 6:8). God instructed Noah to build an enormous ark and bring his family and representatives of every animal species aboard. The flood lasted 40 days and 40 nights, and 'all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered' (Genesis 7:19). Every living thing not on the ark perished. After the waters receded, Noah offered a sacrifice, and God established a covenant with the rainbow as its sign, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again (Genesis 9:11). Jesus referenced Noah's flood as a historical event and a warning about His own return (Matthew 24:37-39). Peter used it to illustrate God's patience and coming judgment (2 Peter 3:5-7). The Flood demonstrates both God's judgment on sin and His provision of salvation for those who believe.

    Key Scripture References

    "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD."
    "And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood."
    "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

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    Deep Dive Commentary

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    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside Genesis. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read Genesis on day 11 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Noah's Flood?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Flood narrative begins with God's grief over human corruption: 'it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart' (Genesis 6:6). Noah alone 'found grace in the eyes of the LORD' (Genesis 6:8). God instructed Noah to build an enormous ark and bring his family and representatives of every animal species aboard. The flood lasted 40 days and 40 nights, and 'all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered' (Genesis 7:19). Every living thing not on the ark perished. After the waters receded, Noah offered a sacrifice, and God established a covenant with the rainbow as its sign, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again (Genesis 9:11). Jesus referenced Noah's flood as a historical event and a warning about His own return (Matthew 24:37-39). Peter used it to illustrate God's patience and coming judgment (2 Peter 3:5-7). The Flood demonstrates both God's judgment on sin and His provision of salvation for those who believe.

    At Babel, humanity united to build a tower to heaven in defiance of God. God confused their language, scattering them across the earth and creating the diversity of nations.

    The judgment seat of Christ (bema) is where believers will give account of their lives — not to determine salvation, but to evaluate faithfulness and receive or lose rewards.