Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 7:19 mean when it says the waters covered all the high mountains?
A: Genesis 7:19 describes the height of the floodwaters during the time of Noach (Noah). According to Rashi, the phrase 'all the high mountains' emphasizes that the floodwaters rose 15 cubits (about 22 feet) above the highest mountains, ensuring complete destruction of all land-based life outside the ark. This shows the extent of Hashem's judgment during the flood.
Q: Why is it important that the flood covered even the highest mountains?
A: The Torah stresses that the floodwaters covered even the highest mountains to teach us that the flood was a complete divine judgment with no exceptions. The Rambam explains that this demonstrates Hashem's absolute justice - when the generation of the flood became corrupt, the punishment was total. It also shows that no place on earth was safe except the ark that Noach built according to Hashem's instructions.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 7:19 about the flood?
A: The verse teaches us about the seriousness of moral corruption and the consequences of abandoning ethical behavior. The Midrash explains that the flood came because of theft, immorality, and idolatry. The complete covering of even the highest mountains shows that when society becomes thoroughly corrupt, the consequences can be catastrophic. This reminds us of our responsibility to maintain moral standards in our own lives.
Q: How does Genesis 7:19 show Hashem's power over nature?
A: This verse demonstrates Hashem's complete control over nature. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) explains that the floodwaters came from both above (rain) and below (underground waters), showing Hashem's dominion over all elements. The fact that waters could cover even the highest mountains - something that normally seems impossible - teaches us that natural laws are subject to Hashem's will when He decrees it.
Q: Does Genesis 7:19 mean the entire world was literally covered with water?
A: Yes, according to traditional Jewish interpretation, the verse means exactly what it says - the floodwaters covered the entire earth. Rashi explains that the phrase 'under the whole heaven' indicates global coverage. The Zohar adds that this complete coverage symbolized a purification of the entire world from the corruption that had spread universally. This interpretation is accepted by all major Torah commentators.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Genesis 7:19) comments on the phrase "וַיְכֻסּוּ כָּל־הֶהָרִים הַגְּבֹהִים" ("all the high mountains were covered") by noting that the floodwaters rose 15 cubits above the highest mountains. This is derived from the earlier verse (Genesis 7:20), which states that the waters rose 15 cubits above the mountains. Rashi emphasizes that this was a miraculous event, as natural waters could not rise to such heights without divine intervention.
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (2:29), Rambam discusses the flood as a divinely ordained punishment for humanity's corruption. He explains that the phrase "תַּחַת כָּל־הַשָּׁמָיִם" ("under the whole heaven") indicates the universality of the flood—no region was spared. Rambam views this as a demonstration of Hashem's absolute control over nature and His willingness to intervene when moral boundaries are transgressed.
Midrashic Insights
Talmudic Interpretation
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) discusses the extent of the flood, stating that even the Land of Israel, which is typically protected from such catastrophes, was not spared. This underscores the idea that no place was exempt from divine judgment when the moral decay was universal. The Gemara also notes that the floodwaters were heated to intensify the punishment, as derived from the doubled language of "מְאֹד מְאֹד" ("exceedingly").
Ibn Ezra's Commentary
Ibn Ezra (Genesis 7:19) focuses on the phrase "תַּחַת כָּל־הַשָּׁמָיִם", explaining that it refers to the entire inhabited world as known at that time. He suggests that the flood may not have covered uninhabited regions, as the primary purpose was to punish corrupt humanity rather than destroy barren land.