Genesis 6:15 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The ark's dimensions: 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, 30 cubits high.
The Context of Genesis 6:15
The specific dimensions of the ark are given.
What Does Genesis 6:15 Mean?
God specifies exact dimensions. A cubit is the length of a forearm (roughly 18 inches in modern measure). The ark is to be 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. These proportions create a vessel roughly six times longer than it is wide, and six times wider than it is tall—designed for stability and capacity rather than speed. The specific measurements suggest divine precision and Noah's responsibility to execute them exactly.
These dimensions place the ark in the realm of the historically plausible: a large sea-going vessel, but not an impossibly vast construction. The proportions are those of a stable, buoyant vessel capable of carrying living cargo. Every measurement reflects divine wisdom applied to human construction.
Genesis 6:15 in the Original Language
ammah (אַמָּה), 'cubit' — a unit of length, the distance from elbow to fingertip; approximately 18 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 6:15
What does Genesis 6:15 mean?
The ark's dimensions: 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, 30 cubits high.
What is the context of Genesis 6:15?
The specific dimensions of the ark are given.