Genesis 6:15 - This is how you shall make it. The length of the ship shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits.

Generated Verse: Genesis 6:15

What does "Genesis 6:15" mean?


This verse (Genesis 6:15) is a direct instruction from God to Noah on how to build the ark. Let's break down what it means:

"This is how you shall make it." This is a clear command, indicating that the specific dimensions given are important and must be followed.
"The length of the ship shall be three hundred cubits..." This defines the ark's length as 300 cubits.
"...its width fifty cubits..." This defines the ark's width as 50 cubits.
"...and its height thirty cubits." This defines the ark's height as 30 cubits.

What is a cubit?

A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement based on the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. However, the exact length of a cubit is debated, with variations from around 17.5 inches to 20.6 inches.

Implications and Significance:

Specific Instructions: The precise dimensions suggest that the ark was not to be a haphazard creation, but a carefully designed vessel according to God's plan.
Proportions: The ratio of length to width to height (30:5:3) is considered by some to be ideal for stability and seaworthiness, even by modern naval architecture standards. This is often cited as evidence of divine design.
Capacity: These dimensions provided the ark with a vast capacity, theoretically enough to house Noah's family, pairs of animals, and necessary provisions for a long period.
Divine Authority: God's detailed instructions highlight his authority and control over the situation. Noah's obedience in following these instructions was crucial for the survival of his family and the animal kingdom.

In summary, Genesis 6:15 provides the exact dimensions for Noah's Ark, emphasizing the importance of following God's specific instructions in building the vessel to save life during the flood. It highlights God's plan, authority, and the necessity of Noah's obedience. The dimensions also suggest a design that was both spacious and structurally sound.

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