A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

GENESIS 6:16KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 6:16 (KJV)

What does Genesis 6:16 mean?

Genesis 6:16 gives Noah specific instructions from God about how to build the ark: it must have a window, a door on the side, and three levels inside. These details show the ark was a carefully designed structure, not just a simple boat.

God is speaking directly to Noah, telling him how to construct the ark that will preserve life during the flood. The verse highlights practical features: a window for light or ventilation, a door for entry, and three stories for organizing the animals and people. This verse shows the ark was built with purpose and order, fitting the larger story of God preparing for the coming flood.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 6:16

  • "window" (צֹהַר, tsohar): This word is often understood as an opening for light, but its exact meaning is debated. It may refer to a skylight or a translucent panel, suggesting God wanted the ark to have a source of light or ventilation.
  • "cubit" (אַמָּה, ammah): A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, roughly the length from the elbow to the tip of the fingers (about 18 inches or 45 centimeters). The instruction to finish the window "in a cubit above" means the opening was to be placed near the top of the ark, emphasizing careful proportions.
  • "lower" (תַּחְתִּי, takhti), "second" (שֵׁנִי, sheni), "third" (שְׁלִישִׁי, shelishi): These words show the ark had three distinct levels or decks, making it clear the structure was large and organized, not a single open space.

Why Genesis 6:16 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that the ark was a crude raft; it was a multi-level, well-planned vessel with specific features for survival.
  • The details about the window, door, and stories emphasize that Noah followed God's instructions exactly, which is a key theme in the flood story.
  • Understanding the practical design helps readers picture the ark as a real, functional structure, not just a symbol or legend.

Where else these words appear

“lower” Hebrew H8482 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 19:17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.
  • Psalms 63:9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
  • Ezekiel 26:20 When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I shall set glory in the land of the living;

“window” Hebrew H6672 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 43:16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon.
  • 1 Kings 20:16 And they went out at noon. But Benhadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.
  • Isaiah 16:3 Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth.

“ark” Hebrew H8392 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 6:14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
  • Genesis 7:15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.
  • Genesis 8:10 And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;

“thereof” Hebrew H6654 · used in 27 verses

  • Exodus 25:32 And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:
  • Joshua 12:9 The king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one;
  • 2 Samuel 13:34 But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.