Old Testament
Genesis 8:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
By the first day of the first month of Noah's six hundred and first year, the water had dried up from the earth. Noah then removed the covering from the ark and saw that the ground was dry.
Compare translations
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.
What Genesis 8:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In the first month of Noah's six hundred and first year, the earth was finally dry after the flood. This moment marked a significant change, as Noah could now see the ground again. He carefully removed the covering from the ark, revealing the landscape that had been hidden for so long. The water that had once covered everything was gone, allowing for new beginnings. This was a moment of hope and renewal for Noah and his family. They had endured a long wait, trusting in what was to come. Now, they could step out into a world that was ready for life again. This passage highlights the importance of patience and faith during difficult times, reminding us that change is possible. Just as Noah saw the dry ground, we too can look forward to brighter days ahead after our own storms pass. The journey may be long, but the promise of new beginnings is always within reach when we hold on to hope and trust in the process of life’s cycles. It’s a powerful reminder of resilience.
How to apply Genesis 8:13 to your life
When facing challenges, remember that patience is key. Just like Noah, we may have to wait for the right moment to see change. Trust that better days are ahead, and keep your faith strong. Embrace the new opportunities that come your way after difficult times. You can emerge stronger and ready for what’s next in life’s journey. Stay hopeful and resilient as you navigate your own storms, knowing that brighter days will come again.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Out of the Ark (Genesis 8:13–19)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 8:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 8:13
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 8:13 mean?
Genesis 8:13 describes the moment when the floodwaters receded, allowing Noah to see dry ground for the first time. This signifies a new beginning after a long period of waiting and symbolizes hope and renewal.
What does the phrase 'the waters were dried up from off the earth' imply?
The phrase indicates that the floodwaters, which had covered the earth, had finally receded. This implies a restoration of the land and the end of a significant period of trial for Noah and his family.
How does Genesis 8:13 relate to themes of hope and renewal?
This verse illustrates hope and renewal by showing that after a time of great difficulty, the earth is ready for life again. It serves as a reminder that change is possible and that brighter days can follow even the toughest storms.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.