Old Testament
Genesis 7:4
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God is announcing a significant event that will change everything.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Seven days from now, I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made."
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God is announcing a significant event that will change everything. He tells Noah that in seven days, rain will fall for forty days and nights. This rain will be so intense that it will wipe out every living creature on earth. This is a moment of judgment, but it also highlights God's authority over creation. The flood represents a fresh start for humanity, as God is about to cleanse the earth of its corruption. Noah, who has been faithful, is given a warning and a chance to prepare. This message emphasizes the importance of listening to divine guidance and acting on it. It serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that we should be aware of the bigger picture in life. God's promise of a new beginning is intertwined with the seriousness of the situation, urging us to reflect on our own lives and choices. The flood is not just a story; it’s a call to consider how we live and the impact of our decisions on the world around us. It’s a pivotal moment in the narrative of humanity.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 7:4 to your life
This passage encourages us to be attentive to warnings in our lives. Just as Noah prepared for the flood, we should take steps to address challenges we face. It reminds us that our choices matter and can lead to significant changes. Reflect on your life and consider how you can act wisely today. Embrace the opportunity for renewal and growth in your journey ahead. “Be prepared” is a timeless lesson here, urging us to stay
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 7:4 mean?
Genesis 7:4 conveys God's warning to Noah about an impending flood that will last for forty days and nights. This verse signifies a moment of divine judgment where God intends to cleanse the earth of its corruption by wiping out every living creature.
What is the significance of forty days and nights in Genesis 7:4?
The forty days and nights of rain in Genesis 7:4 symbolize a complete and thorough judgment from God. This duration emphasizes the seriousness of the flood as a means to reset creation and start anew.
What does the phrase 'wipe from the face of the earth' mean in Genesis 7:4?
The phrase 'wipe from the face of the earth' in Genesis 7:4 indicates God's intention to completely remove all living creatures due to their wickedness. It highlights the severity of the flood as a divine act of judgment.
How does Genesis 7:4 relate to themes of judgment and new beginnings?
Genesis 7:4 illustrates the theme of judgment through God's decision to flood the earth, while also representing new beginnings as it sets the stage for a fresh start for humanity after the flood.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
Unlock the full Genesis summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.