Genesis 8:13
And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
Genesis 8:13 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Genesis describes a significant moment in the story of Noah and the flood. After enduring the great flood for 150 days, the waters finally receded in the six hundred and first year of Noah's life, on the first day of the first month. As the waters dried up from the earth, Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked out to see that the face of the ground was dry. This moment symbolized a new beginning for humanity, as they emerged from the devastation of the flood to start afresh on dry land. It marked the end of God's judgement through the flood and the start of a new covenant between God and Noah. The drying of the earth represented a turning point in the story, paving the way for a hopeful future and the continuation of God's plan for mankind.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from Genesis 8:13 focuses on the significance of the timing of when the waters receded after the flood. The mention of the six hundred and first year, first month, and first day of the month symbolizes a new beginning, as the number one often represents unity and new beginnings in biblical numerology. This can be seen as a nod to the idea of a fresh start for the earth and humanity after the cleansing of the flood waters. Noah's act of removing the covering of the ark and seeing that the ground was dry can be seen as a symbol of hope and promise of dry land and new life. The process of the waters receding represents God's faithfulness to His promise to deliver Noah and his family safely through the flood. Overall, this verse can be interpreted as a depiction of God's providence and protection over His chosen people, and a foreshadowing of the salvation and redemption to come through Jesus Christ.
Genesis 8:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dried.
World English Bible
In the six hundred first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from the earth. Noah removed the covering of the ship, and looked. He saw that the surface of the ground was dried.
Douay-Rheims
Therefore in the six hundredth and first year, the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were lessened upon the earth, and Noe opening the covering of the ark, looked, and saw that the face of the earth was dried.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And in the sixe hundreth and one yeere, in the first day of the first moneth the waters were dryed vp from off the earth: and Noah remoued the couering of the Arke and looked, and beholde, the vpper part of the ground was drie.