Genesis 7:24 - Divine judgment's enduring flood.

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וַיִּגְבְּרוּ הַמַּיִם עַל־הָאָרֶץ חֲמִשִּׁים וּמְאַת יוֹם׃

English Translation

And the waters prevailed upon the earth a hundred and fifty days.

Transliteration

Vayigberu hamayim al-ha'aretz chamishim ume'at yom.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּגְבְּר֥וּ הַמַּ֖יִם עַל־הָאָ֑רֶץ חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים וּמְאַ֖ת יֽוֹם׃

Parasha Commentary

The Duration of the Flood Waters

The verse states: "And the waters prevailed upon the earth a hundred and fifty days" (Bereishit 7:24). This period marks the peak intensity of the Mabul (Flood), during which the waters completely covered the earth, as described in the preceding verses.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereishit 7:24) clarifies that these 150 days include the 40 days of rain (mentioned in Bereishit 7:12) plus an additional 110 days during which the waters continued to rise and remain at their highest level. This calculation is based on the chronology provided in the Torah, where the waters began to recede after this period (Bereishit 8:3).

Chronological Context from the Talmud

The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 11b-12a) discusses the timeline of the Flood, noting that the 150 days correspond to five months of 30 days each. This aligns with the lunar calendar, as the Torah later specifies that the waters began to recede in the seventh month (Bereishit 8:4). The Talmud emphasizes that the Flood was a divinely ordained event with precise timing, reflecting Hashem's judgment and mercy.

Symbolism of the Number 150

Midrashic sources (Bereishit Rabbah 32:11) suggest that the number 150 may carry deeper significance. Some commentators connect it to the concept of din (strict judgment), as the Flood was a response to the corruption of humanity. The extended duration underscores the severity of the decree, yet also hints at the eventual cessation of the waters, demonstrating that even in judgment, Hashem's mercy is present.

Rambam's Perspective on Natural Order

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:29) addresses the Flood as a temporary suspension of the natural order, orchestrated by Hashem to purify the world. The 150 days represent a complete cycle of destruction and the beginning of renewal, paving the way for a new era with Noach and his family.

Key Lessons from the Verse

Divine Precision: The exact duration of 150 days highlights that Hashem's decrees are measured and intentional.
Judgment and Mercy: The Flood's timeline reflects both the severity of sin and the eventual promise of redemption.
Renewal: The period marks the transition from destruction to the rebirth of civilization through Noach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 7:24 mean when it says the waters prevailed for 150 days?
A: Genesis 7:24 describes the duration of the Great Flood during Noah's time. According to Rashi, the 150 days include the 40 days of heavy rain (Genesis 7:12) plus an additional 110 days where the waters continued to rise and cover the earth. This was the period when the floodwaters reached their maximum height before beginning to recede.

Q: Why is the 150-day period mentioned in Genesis 7:24 significant?
A: The 150-day period shows the extent of the Flood's devastation and G-d's precise judgment. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 11b) explains that the Flood began on the 17th of Cheshvan and the waters prevailed until the 1st of Sivan - totaling 150 days. This demonstrates that the Flood followed an exact divine timetable.

Q: How does Genesis 7:24 connect to the rest of the Flood narrative?
A: This verse marks the peak of the Flood before the waters began to decrease (Genesis 8:3). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 33:7) explains that the 150 days represent a complete period of divine judgment, after which the process of renewal could begin. It serves as a turning point in the narrative between destruction and rebirth.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the 150 days of flooding in Genesis 7:24?
A: The extended duration teaches about divine patience and the seriousness of corruption. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 6:6) derives from the Flood narrative that G-d gives ample time for repentance before executing judgment. The 150 days show that the Flood wasn't impulsive, but came after centuries of warning through Noah's preaching.

Q: How do Jewish sources interpret the number 150 in Genesis 7:24?
A: Some commentators see significance in the number 150. The Zohar connects it to spiritual purification, as 150 corresponds to the numerical value of certain divine names related to judgment and mercy. Others note it's exactly 5 months (at 30 days/month), showing a complete seasonal cycle of destruction before renewal.