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Genesis 7:18 - Divine judgment overwhelms earth.

Genesis 7:18 - בראשית 7:18

Hebrew Text

וַיִּגְבְּרוּ הַמַּיִם וַיִּרְבּוּ מְאֹד עַל־הָאָרֶץ וַתֵּלֶךְ הַתֵּבָה עַל־פְּנֵי הַמָּיִם׃

English Translation

And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.

Transliteration

Vayigberu hamayim vayirbu me'od al-ha'aretz vatelekh hateva al pnei hamayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּגְבְּר֥וּ הַמַּ֛יִם וַיִּרְבּ֥וּ מְאֹ֖ד עַל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וַתֵּ֥לֶךְ הַתֵּבָ֖ה עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הַמָּֽיִם׃
וַיִּגְבְּר֥וּ הַמַּ֛יִם וַיִּרְבּ֥וּ מְאֹ֖ד עַל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וַתֵּ֥לֶךְ הַתֵּבָ֖ה עַל־פְּנֵ֥י הַמָּֽיִם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Prevailing Waters in the Flood Narrative

The verse states: "וַיִּגְבְּרוּ הַמַּיִם וַיִּרְבּוּ מְאֹד עַל־הָאָרֶץ" ("And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth"). Rashi (Bereishit 7:18) explains that the term "וַיִּגְבְּרוּ" ("prevailed") indicates the waters overpowered the earth, rising higher and higher until they submerged even the tallest mountains. The doubling of language—"וַיִּרְבּוּ מְאֹד" ("increased greatly")—emphasizes the intensity of the deluge, showing that this was no ordinary rain but a divinely ordained catastrophe.

The Ark's Movement on the Waters

The second part of the verse states: "וַתֵּלֶךְ הַתֵּבָה עַל־פְּנֵי הַמָּיִם" ("and the ark went upon the face of the waters"). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 32:11) notes that the ark did not merely float passively but was guided by divine providence. The Ramban (Bereishit 7:18) adds that the ark's movement was miraculous, as it withstood the turbulent waters without capsizing, demonstrating Hashem's protection over Noach and those with him.

Symbolism of the Waters

  • Judgment and Purification: The Zohar (Noach 67a) teaches that the floodwaters served as both a punishment for corruption and a means of purifying the earth for renewal.
  • Divine Control: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) highlights that the waters followed Hashem's precise decree—rising only to the necessary height to fulfill their purpose, no more and no less.

Lessons from the Ark's Journey

The Sforno (Bereishit 7:18) emphasizes that the ark's survival amidst the chaos symbolizes the concept of השגחה פרטית (divine individual providence). Just as Noach was safeguarded in the ark, so too does Hashem protect the righteous even in times of global upheaval. The Malbim further notes that the ark's steady movement teaches that those who adhere to divine instruction will find stability even in turbulent times.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 108b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the flood and the survival of Noah and his family in the ark.
📖 Zevachim 113b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the dimensions and movement of the ark during the flood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 7:18 mean when it says 'the waters prevailed'?
A: The phrase 'the waters prevailed' (וַיִּגְבְּרוּ הַמַּיִם) means that the floodwaters completely overpowered the land, covering everything as part of Hashem's judgment during the time of Noach. Rashi explains that the waters rose higher than the tallest mountains (Genesis 7:19), showing the totality of the flood's destruction.
Q: Why does the verse mention that the ark 'went upon the face of the waters'?
A: The Torah emphasizes that the ark floated safely on the water's surface to show that despite the destruction, Hashem protected Noach, his family, and the animals inside. The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 32:11) teaches that the ark was guided by divine providence, ensuring it did not capsize even in the raging floodwaters.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 7:18 about divine judgment and mercy?
A: This verse teaches that while Hashem brings judgment upon wrongdoing (as with the flood), He also shows mercy to those who follow His ways—like Noach, who was righteous. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuva 5:1-2) explains that divine justice is precise, but teshuvah (repentance) can bring salvation, just as the ark saved those inside.
Q: How does this verse connect to the concept of trust in Hashem?
A: The image of the ark floating safely amid the floodwaters symbolizes complete reliance on Hashem's protection. Noach trusted Hashem's command to build the ark, and this verse shows that faith was rewarded. The Talmud (Shabbos 31a) teaches that emunah (faith) is a foundational principle in Judaism, just as Noach demonstrated.