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Genesis 7:7 - Family saved from flood's destruction

Genesis 7:7 - בראשית 7:7

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא נֹחַ וּבָנָיו וְאִשְׁתּוֹ וּנְשֵׁי־בָנָיו אִתּוֹ אֶל־הַתֵּבָה מִפְּנֵי מֵי הַמַּבּוּל׃

English Translation

And Noaĥ went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.

Transliteration

Va'yavo Noach u'vanav ve'ishto u'neshei vanav ito el ha'teiva mipnei mei ha'mabul.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֣בֹא נֹ֗חַ וּ֠בָנָ֠יו וְאִשְׁתּ֧וֹ וּנְשֵֽׁי־בָנָ֛יו אִתּ֖וֹ אֶל־הַתֵּבָ֑ה מִפְּנֵ֖י מֵ֥י הַמַּבּֽוּל׃
וַיָּ֣בֹא נֹ֗חַ וּ֠בָנָ֠יו וְאִשְׁתּ֧וֹ וּנְשֵֽׁי־בָנָ֛יו אִתּ֖וֹ אֶל־הַתֵּבָ֑ה מִפְּנֵ֖י מֵ֥י הַמַּבּֽוּל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Order of Entry into the Ark

The verse (Bereshit 7:7) lists the order in which Noach and his family entered the ark: first Noach himself, then his sons, his wife, and finally his sons' wives. Rashi explains that this sequence teaches derech eretz (proper conduct) — the men entered separately from the women to maintain modesty even during this time of crisis. The Ramban adds that this separation was necessary to prevent marital relations during the flood, as the ark was a place of distress and mourning for the destroyed world.

Noach's Righteousness and Leadership

The Torah emphasizes that Noach entered "because of the waters of the flood," which the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 32:6) interprets in two ways:

  • Noach showed complete faith in Hashem's word by not entering until the floodwaters forced him to, demonstrating his trust in divine judgment.
  • Alternatively, Noach is criticized for waiting until the last moment rather than proactively entering when first commanded, showing a lack of complete zrizut (alacrity) in fulfilling Hashem's will.

The Term "אִתּוֹ" (With Him)

The word ito ("with him") appears superfluous. The Kli Yakar explains that this teaches Noach's family only entered because of him — they were saved in his merit, not their own. This aligns with the Talmud's statement (Sanhedrin 108a) that Noach's generation was judged collectively, with only Noach being truly righteous.

Contrast with Avraham

The Malbim contrasts Noach's passive righteousness ("walked with God") with Avraham's active righteousness ("walked before God"). Here, Noach enters only when compelled by circumstances, while Avraham would have taken initiative. This becomes a model for understanding different levels of spiritual leadership in Jewish thought.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 108b
The verse is discussed in the context of Noah's entry into the ark and the events surrounding the flood.
📖 Zevachim 116a
Mentioned in relation to the sacrifices offered by Noah after exiting the ark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Noah and his family enter the ark?
A: Noah and his family entered the ark to be saved from the floodwaters that were coming to destroy the earth because of humanity's wickedness (Genesis 6:13). Rashi explains that they entered only when the floodwaters began to rise, showing that Noah had complete trust in Hashem's command.
Q: Why does the Torah list Noah's family members separately?
A: The Torah lists Noah, his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives separately to emphasize that they all entered the ark together as a family unit. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 32:8) teaches that this shows the importance of family unity, even in times of crisis.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Noah entering the ark?
A: Noah's entry into the ark teaches us the importance of listening to Hashem's commands and taking action to protect ourselves and our families from harm. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 3:1) explains that Noah's righteousness saved him, showing that individual merit can bring protection even in difficult times.
Q: Why did Noah wait until the floodwaters came before entering the ark?
A: Rashi (on Genesis 7:7) explains that Noah delayed entering the ark until the last moment because he had faith that Hashem might show mercy and cancel the decree. This teaches us about the power of hope and prayer, even when facing severe judgments.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish family values?
A: This verse highlights the Jewish value of family preservation. Noah ensured that his entire household—his wife, sons, and daughters-in-law—were saved together. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) notes that this demonstrates the responsibility of a righteous person to safeguard their family’s spiritual and physical well-being.