Genesis 8:3 - Waters recede, divine mercy revealed.

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Hebrew Text

וַיָּשֻׁבוּ הַמַּיִם מֵעַל הָאָרֶץ הָלוֹךְ וָשׁוֹב וַיַּחְסְרוּ הַמַּיִם מִקְצֵה חֲמִשִּׁים וּמְאַת יוֹם׃

English Translation

and the rain from heaven was restrained

Transliteration

Vayashuvu hamayim me'al ha'aretz haloch vashov vayachseru hamayim mik'tze chamishim ume'at yom.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּשֻׁ֧בוּ הַמַּ֛יִם מֵעַ֥ל הָאָ֖רֶץ הָל֣וֹךְ וָשׁ֑וֹב וַיַּחְסְר֣וּ הַמַּ֔יִם מִקְצֵ֕ה חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים וּמְאַ֖ת יֽוֹם׃

Parasha Commentary

Verse Analysis: וַיָּשֻׁבוּ הַמַּיִם מֵעַל הָאָרֶץ

The phrase "וַיָּשֻׁבוּ הַמַּיִם מֵעַל הָאָרֶץ" (and the waters receded from the earth) describes the gradual retreat of the floodwaters after the Mabul (Great Flood). Rashi (Bereshit 8:3) explains that the term "הָלוֹךְ וָשׁוֹב" (going and returning) indicates a back-and-forth motion—the waters did not simply vanish but receded in stages, demonstrating Hashem's mercy by allowing the earth to dry gradually rather than abruptly.

Divine Mercy in the Receding Waters

Ramban (Bereshit 8:3) elaborates that the gradual recession was a kindness to Noach and the inhabitants of the Teivah (Ark). Had the waters vanished instantly, the sudden exposure to the elements might have been harmful. The Midrash Tanchuma (Noach 11) similarly teaches that this process allowed time for the earth to heal and become habitable again.

Symbolism of the 150 Days

The verse specifies that the waters receded after "חֲמִשִּׁים וּמְאַת יוֹם" (150 days). The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 11b) connects this period to the original duration of the flood's intensity, suggesting a measure-for-measure divine decree. The Sforno (Bereshit 8:3) adds that this timeframe reflects the completion of Hashem's judgment and the beginning of renewal.

Lessons in Teshuvah

The Baal HaTurim (Bereshit 8:3) notes that the word "וַיָּשֻׁבוּ" (and they returned) shares a root with "תְּשׁוּבָה" (repentance), hinting that the receding waters parallel the concept of spiritual return. Just as the waters retreated, humanity was given a chance to rebuild with righteousness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 8:3 mean when it says 'the rain from heaven was restrained'?
A: This verse describes how the floodwaters began to recede after the great flood in Noah's time. According to Rashi, the phrase means that the heavy rains stopped completely, and the waters started gradually decreasing over a period of 150 days (from the 17th of Cheshvan until the 1st of Sivan). This marked the beginning of the earth's recovery after the flood.

Q: Why is Genesis 8:3 important in the flood story?
A: This verse is significant because it marks the turning point when the destructive phase of the flood ended and the process of renewal began. The Rambam teaches that this demonstrates Hashem's mercy - even after severe judgment, He begins the process of restoration. The Talmud (Zevachim 113b) also discusses how this moment showed the earth was being prepared for Noah and his family to leave the ark.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 8:3 today?
A: The Midrash teaches that this verse reminds us that just as the floodwaters eventually receded, all difficult periods in life eventually pass. The gradual decrease of the waters (over 150 days) also teaches patience - redemption and recovery often come slowly. Additionally, the Sages derive from this that Hashem carefully measures His judgments, showing both justice and compassion.