Genesis 6:16 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The ark will have a window, a door in its side, and three decks.
The Context of Genesis 6:16
Details of the ark's interior and access.
What Does Genesis 6:16 Mean?
More specifications follow: a window (tzohar), perhaps a roof opening or skylight to provide light and ventilation, positioned one cubit below the top. A door (petach) set in the side of the ark for entry and exit. Three stories (qomah)—lower, middle, and upper decks—allowing for organization of cargo and inhabitants. Each detail serves function: light from above, access from the side, separation by level.
The design accommodates both practical necessity and the complex task of preserving multiple forms of life. The three levels allow for different creatures, stores, and Noah's family. The window and door show this is a vessel inhabited by beings who need air and light, not merely a sealed capsule.
Genesis 6:16 in the Original Language
tzohar (צֹהַר), 'window' — opening for light; possibly 'noon' (bright light) or the highest opening of the vessel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 6:16
What does Genesis 6:16 mean?
The ark will have a window, a door in its side, and three decks.
What is the context of Genesis 6:16?
Details of the ark's interior and access.