Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.

GENESIS 7:20KJV
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Genesis 7:20 (KJV)

What does Genesis 7:20 mean?

Genesis 7:20 says that the floodwaters rose to a height of fifteen cubits above the highest mountains, completely covering them. This verse emphasizes just how deep and overwhelming the flood was during Noah’s time, leaving no mountain peak uncovered.

In this part of the story, the narrator describes the extent of the flood as Noah, his family, and the animals are inside the ark. The detail about the waters reaching fifteen cubits above the mountains shows that the flood was not just a local event but covered even the tallest landforms. This sets the scene for the total destruction described in the flood narrative.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 7:20

  • "Cubit" (אַמָּה, ’ammah): This is an ancient measurement, roughly the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, usually estimated at about 18 inches (45 centimeters). Knowing this helps readers picture the depth—fifteen cubits would be about 22 feet (6.7 meters).
  • "Prevail" (גָּבַר, gavar): This word means to become strong or mighty. Here, it highlights that the waters were not just present, but forcefully rose and dominated the landscape, overtaking even the mountains.
  • "Covered" (כָּסָה, kasah): This word means to conceal or hide. The mountains were not just touched by water but were completely hidden beneath it, stressing the thoroughness of the flood.

Why Genesis 7:20 matters

  • Genesis 7:20 clarifies that the flood was deep enough to submerge even the highest mountains, countering any idea that it was a shallow or partial flood.
  • The verse emphasizes the totality and seriousness of the judgment described in the flood story, showing that nothing on land escaped the waters.
  • By specifying the measurement, Genesis 7:20 connects to earlier verses about the ark’s size, helping readers understand why such a large vessel was necessary for survival.

Where else these words appear

“prevail” Hebrew H1396 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 7:18 And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.
  • 2 Samuel 11:23 And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate.
  • Psalms 117:2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

“cubits” Hebrew H520 · used in 132 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 6:17 And the house, that is, the temple before it, was forty cubits long.
  • Ezekiel 40:11 And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.

“upward” Hebrew H4605 · used in 134 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 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.
  • Numbers 4:35 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation:
  • 2 Chronicles 16:12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.

“covered” Hebrew H3680 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
  • 1 Samuel 19:13 And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth.
  • Proverbs 24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.