Learn more about Noah

Introduction to Noah

Noah is one of the most significant figures in the Bible, known primarily for his righteousness and obedience to God in a time of widespread corruption. His story is foundational to the narrative of God's judgment and mercy, especially through the account of the Great Flood. Noah's life marks a major turning point in biblical history, bridging the primeval history of Genesis with the emerging patriarchal narrative. His name in Hebrew, “Noach” (נֹחַ), means “rest” or “comfort,” reflecting the role he would play in bringing relief from the curse of sin upon the earth (Genesis 5:29).

Noah Pronunciation

“Noah” is pronounced as NOH-uh, with emphasis on the first syllable.

Noah in the Bible

Noah’s story is primarily found in Genesis chapters 5 through 9. His role in biblical history is substantial, and his character is noted in both Old and New Testaments:

• Genesis 5:28-32: Introduces Noah’s genealogy. He is the son of Lamech and part of the tenth generation from Adam through Seth.
• Genesis 6:1–9:29: The most detailed account of Noah's life. It includes:
  • God's decision to judge humanity for widespread wickedness.
  • God's command to Noah to build an ark to save his family and representatives of all animals.
  • The coming of the Flood, which lasts 40 days and 40 nights, destroying all life outside the ark.
  • The subsiding of the waters, the ark coming to rest on Mount Ararat, and Noah’s offering upon leaving the ark.
  • God's covenant with Noah, including the rainbow as a sign of His promise never to destroy the earth by flood again.
• Genesis 9:20-29: Noah's later life, including his planting of a vineyard, his drunkenness, and the resulting episode involving his sons, which leads to the cursing of Canaan, the son of Ham.
• Hebrews 11:7: Noah is commended for his faith. He is part of the “hall of faith,” demonstrating obedience to God by preparing the ark despite not seeing the coming flood.
• 2 Peter 2:5: Referred to as a “preacher of righteousness,” emphasizing his role in warning others even if they did not repent.
• Matthew 24:37-39: Jesus references Noah in teaching about the coming of the Son of Man, highlighting how people were caught unprepared during the Flood.

Related Themes and Meanings to Noah

Noah’s story touches on several major theological and moral themes:

• Judgment and Mercy: God’s decision to send the Flood reflects divine judgment, while Noah’s survival represents mercy and the preservation of a faithful remnant.
• Obedience and Righteousness: Noah is repeatedly described as righteous, blameless among his contemporaries, and obedient to God’s commands.
• Covenant: The Noahic Covenant is the first formal covenant in the Bible, showing God’s commitment to creation.
• New Beginning: After the Flood, Noah becomes a second "Adam" of sorts, as all humanity descends from his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Noah

• Age of Noah: Noah lived to be 950 years old (Genesis 9:29), one of the longest lifespans recorded in the Bible.
• Ark Dimensions: The ark was 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high (approximately 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high), making it a massive vessel by ancient standards.
• Global Flood Narrative: Many cultures around the world have flood narratives similar to the story of Noah, including the Epic of Gilgamesh, which some scholars compare with the biblical account.
• Symbol of the Rainbow: The rainbow first appears in Scripture as a divine sign of God's promise to never again destroy the earth by flood, symbolizing hope and covenant.
• Noah’s Sons: Shem is often considered the ancestor of the Semitic peoples; Japheth, the ancestor of many Indo-European peoples; and Ham, the father of African and some Near Eastern lineages.

Noah’s Legacy

Noah’s role is not merely that of a survivor, but that of a restorer. Through him, humanity gets a second chance. His character and faith are elevated as models of steadfastness, particularly in a time of spiritual decline. The story of Noah is used throughout Scripture to illustrate preparedness, righteousness, divine justice, and the enduring mercy of God.