Genesis 7:13 Meaning and Explanation
“In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →On the day the flood begins, Noah and his entire family—eight people in total—enter the ark.
The Context of Genesis 7:13
Noah's entire family of eight enters the ark on the day the flood begins.
What Does Genesis 7:13 Mean?
This verse lists all eight souls preserved: Noah, his wife, and his three sons with their wives. The designation of sons by name (Shem, Ham, Japheth) becomes significant, as these three will repopulate and divide the post-flood world. In the selfsame day ties entry to the flood's onset—no earlier, no later, but precisely when God brought judgment.
The specificity of listing each family member underscores that these eight are the only surviving humans. Salvation comes through a household bound by blood and covenant. After the flood, all humanity traces back to these eight, making them the pivotal generation between old and new worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 7:13
What does Genesis 7:13 mean?
On the day the flood begins, Noah and his entire family—eight people in total—enter the ark.
What is the context of Genesis 7:13?
Noah's entire family of eight enters the ark on the day the flood begins.