New International VersionNow the springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens had been closed, and the rain had stopped falling from the sky.
New Living TranslationThe underground waters stopped flowing, and the torrential rains from the sky were stopped.
English Standard VersionThe fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were closed, the rain from the heavens was restrained,
Berean Standard BibleThe springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained.
King James BibleThe fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained;
New King James VersionThe fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were also stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained.
New American Standard BibleAlso the fountains of the deep and the floodgates of the sky were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained;
NASB 1995Also the fountains of the deep and the floodgates of the sky were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained;
NASB 1977 Also the fountains of the deep and the floodgates of the sky were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained;
Legacy Standard Bible Also the fountains of the deep and the floodgates of the sky were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained;
Amplified BibleAlso the fountains of the deep [subterranean waters] and the windows of the heavens were closed, the [pouring] rain from the sky was restrained,
Christian Standard BibleThe sources of the watery depths and the floodgates of the sky were closed, and the rain from the sky stopped.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe sources of the watery depths and the floodgates of the sky were closed, and the rain from the sky stopped.
American Standard Versionthe fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained;
Contemporary English VersionGod stopped up the places where the water had been gushing out from under the earth. He also closed up the sky, and the rain stopped.
English Revised Versionthe fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe deep springs and the sky had been shut, and the rain had stopped pouring.
Good News TranslationThe outlets of the water beneath the earth and the floodgates of the sky were closed. The rain stopped,
International Standard VersionThe water sources from the ocean depths were blocked and the floodgates of the heavens were closed.
NET BibleThe fountains of the deep and the floodgates of heaven were closed, and the rain stopped falling from the sky.
New Heart English BibleAnd the fountains of the deep and the floodgates of the sky were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained.
Webster's Bible TranslationThe fountains also of the deep, and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained.
World English BibleThe deep’s fountains and the sky’s windows were also stopped, and the rain from the sky was restrained. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the fountains of the deep and the network of the heavens are closed, and the shower is restrained from the heavens.
Young's Literal Translation and closed are the fountains of the deep and the net-work of the heavens, and restrained is the shower from the heavens.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the fountains of the deep, and the sluices of the heavens shall be shut up, and the rains from the heavens shall be withheld. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe fountains also of the deep, and the flood gates of heaven were shut up, and the rain from heaven was restrained.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd the fountains of the abyss and the floodgates of heaven were closed. And the rain from heaven was restrained.
New American BibleThe fountains of the abyss and the floodgates of the sky were closed, and the downpour from the sky was held back.
New Revised Standard Versionthe fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were closed, the rain from the heavens was restrained, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained;
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd the fountains of the Abyss and the floodgates of Heaven were shut, and the rain was restrained from Heaven; OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917the fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the fountains of the deep were closed up, and the flood-gates of heaven, and the rain from heaven was withheld.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Ark Rests on Ararat1But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark. And God sent a wind over the earth, and the waters began to subside. 2The springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained. 3The waters receded steadily from the earth, and after 150 days the waters had gone down.…
Cross References Psalm 104:6-9You covered it with the deep like a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. / At Your rebuke the waters fled; at the sound of Your thunder they hurried away— / the mountains rose and the valleys sank to the place You assigned for them— ...
Job 38:8-11Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, / when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket, / when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, ...
Isaiah 54:9“For to Me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you.
Psalm 29:10The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
Jeremiah 5:22Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it.
Proverbs 8:29when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth.
2 Peter 3:5-6But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water, / through which the world of that time perished in the flood.
Matthew 24:37-39As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. / For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. / And they were oblivious until the flood came and swept them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Luke 17:26-27Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man: / People were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.
Hebrews 11:7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
1 Peter 3:20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water.
Revelation 9:14-15saying to the sixth angel with the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” / So the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind.
Exodus 14:21-22Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.
Joshua 3:15-16Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, / the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.
Psalm 33:7He piles up the waters of the sea; He puts the depths into storehouses.
Genesis 7:11
In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. Proverbs 8:28
When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: Jonah 2:3
For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. the rain. Job 37:11-13
Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: … Job 38:37
Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven, Matthew 8:9,26,27
For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it… Jump to Previous Closed Deep Falling Floodgates Fountains Heaven Heavens Net-Work Pour Rain Restrained Shower Shut Sky Sky's Springs Stopped WindowsJump to Next Closed Deep Falling Floodgates Fountains Heaven Heavens Net-Work Pour Rain Restrained Shower Shut Sky Sky's Springs Stopped WindowsGenesis 8 1. God remembers Noah and calms the waters.4. The ark rests on Ararat.6. Noah sends forth a raven and then a dove.13. Noah, being commanded, goes forth from the ark.20. He builds an altar, and offers sacrifices,21. which God accepts, and promises to curse the earth no more.The springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens were closedThis phrase marks the cessation of the cataclysmic events that began in Genesis 7:11, where the "springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened." The "springs of the deep" likely refer to subterranean waters, possibly linked to the ancient belief in a vast underground ocean. This concept is echoed in other ancient Near Eastern texts, suggesting a common cultural understanding of the earth's structure. The "floodgates of the heavens" indicate the opening of the sky to release rain, a reversal of the creation order where God separated the waters above from the waters below ( Genesis 1:6-7). The closing of these sources signifies God's control over creation, emphasizing His sovereignty. This act of closing can be seen as a divine intervention to restore order after judgment, reflecting God's mercy and the beginning of a new covenant with humanity. and the rain from the sky was restrained
The restraint of rain signifies the end of the deluge that lasted for forty days and nights (Genesis 7:12). This cessation is a pivotal moment in the narrative, marking the transition from judgment to restoration. The rain stopping is a sign of God's grace, as He remembers Noah and all the living creatures on the ark (Genesis 8:1). This restraint can be seen as a precursor to the promise God makes later in Genesis 9:11, where He vows never to destroy the earth with a flood again. Theologically, this restraint foreshadows the peace and restoration that comes through Christ, who calms the storms (Mark 4:39) and offers salvation. The restraint of rain also highlights the importance of water in biblical symbolism, representing both judgment and cleansing, as seen in the sacrament of baptism. Persons / Places / Events 1. NoahA righteous man chosen by God to survive the flood and preserve life on earth. He is central to the account of the flood and the subsequent covenant with God. 2. The ArkThe vessel built by Noah according to God's instructions to save his family and pairs of every living creature from the flood. 3. The FloodA cataclysmic event sent by God to cleanse the earth of its widespread wickedness, sparing only Noah, his family, and the animals aboard the ark. 4. The Springs of the DeepRefers to the subterranean waters that contributed to the flood, symbolizing the breaking forth of the earth's waters. 5. The Floodgates of the HeavensRepresents the opening of the skies to release rain, contributing to the floodwaters that covered the earth. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over CreationGenesis 8:2 highlights God's control over the natural world. Just as He initiated the flood, He also restrained it, demonstrating His ultimate authority over creation. Divine Judgment and MercyThe flood represents God's judgment on sin, but the restraint of the waters signifies His mercy and the beginning of a new covenant with humanity through Noah. The Importance of ObedienceNoah's obedience in building the ark and following God's commands led to the preservation of life. This teaches the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's instructions. Renewal and New BeginningsThe cessation of the floodwaters marks a new beginning for the earth, symbolizing hope and renewal after judgment. It encourages believers to trust in God's plan for restoration. Trust in God's TimingThe restraint of the waters came at God's appointed time, reminding us to trust in His perfect timing in our lives, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 8:2?
2. How does Genesis 8:2 demonstrate God's control over natural events and creation?
3. What lessons can we learn from God's timing in Genesis 8:2?
4. How does Genesis 8:2 connect to God's covenant with Noah in Genesis 9?
5. How can we trust God's promises during life's "floods," as seen in Genesis 8:2?
6. What role does patience play in waiting for God's deliverance in Genesis 8:2?
7. How does Genesis 8:2 align with scientific understanding of the Earth's history?
8. What evidence supports the historical accuracy of the flood described in Genesis 8:2?
9. How does Genesis 8:2 influence the theological concept of divine intervention in nature?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 8?
11. In Genesis 8:2–3, how did the floodwaters recede so rapidly over the entire Earth without leaving extensive geologic evidence?
12. What are the fountains of the great deep?
13. What are the fountains of the great deep?
14. How could a worldwide flood (Genesis 7:19–20) occur given Earth’s limited water sources? What Does Genesis 8:2 Mean The springs of the deep• In Genesis 7:11 we first read, “all the fountains of the great deep burst forth.” The phrase points to subterranean waters that God released to cover the earth. • Genesis 8:2 declares that these springs “were closed,” signaling that the catastrophic phase of judgment had ended. God literally shuts off the fountains. • Job 38:16 echoes God’s mastery: “Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea…”—a reminder that He alone controls Earth’s hidden reservoirs. • Psalm 104:6–9 describes God setting boundaries so the waters “would never again cover the earth,” tying the action in Genesis 8 to His ongoing providence.
The floodgates of the heavens were closed• Earlier, “the floodgates of the heavens were opened” (Genesis 7:11), picturing torrential downpour released from above. In 8:2 those gates are now shut, just as firmly as they were once flung wide. • Isaiah 24:18 pictures judgment with the same imagery—“windows of the heavens are opened”—showing that heaven’s gates open or close at God’s command. • Malachi 3:10 uses the term positively, promising blessing when God “opens the floodgates of heaven.” In Genesis 8 the closing of those gates underscores His authority both to judge and to bless. • The cessation confirms that Noah’s family could trust God’s timetable: the deluge would last only as long as He decreed.
The rain from the sky was restrained• Genesis 7:12 notes forty days and nights of uninterrupted rain. Genesis 8:2 says that rain “was restrained,” stressing an intentional act by God. • Psalm 135:7 says God “brings the wind from His storehouses” and “releases the rain,” reinforcing His personal governance of weather. • James 5:17–18 recalls Elijah praying and the sky withholding then giving rain—another instance where divine restraint and release serve God’s purposes. • By stopping the rain, God signals grace following judgment, preparing the earth for renewal (Genesis 8:11, the dove’s olive leaf).
summaryGenesis 8:2 presents a threefold reversal of the Flood’s forces: underground waters sealed, heavenly floodgates shut, and rain restrained. Each clause highlights God’s absolute control—He not only initiates judgment but also lovingly brings it to an end. Cross-references from Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Malachi, and James confirm this consistent biblical theme: the Creator commands both the depths below and the heavens above. The verse assures believers that the same God who judged sin in Noah’s day also sets firm limits on calamity and faithfully ushers in restoration. Verse 2. - The fountains also of the deep, and the windows of heaven were stopped. וַיִּסָּכְרוּ, from סָכַר = סָגַר, to surround, to enclose; literally, were shut up; ἐπεκαλύφθησαν ( LXX.). Their opening was described in Genesis 7:11. And the rain from heaven was restrained. וַיִּכָּלֵא, literally, was shut up, from כָּלָא, to close. Cf. κλείω, κωλύω, κολούω, celo, occulo (Gesenius, Furst), συνεσχέθη (LXX). At the end of the forty days ( Genesis 7:12; Augustine, Willet); at the end of the 150 days (Aben Ezra, Murphy).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew The springsמַעְיְנֹ֣ת (ma‘·yə·nōṯ)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4599: A fountain, a sourceof the deepתְּה֔וֹם (tə·hō·wm)Noun - common singular
Strong's 8415: An abyss, the deepand the floodgatesוַֽאֲרֻבֹּ֖ת (wa·’ă·rub·bōṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 699: A lattice, a window, dovecot, chimney, sluiceof the heavensהַשָּׁמָ֑יִם (haš·šā·mā·yim)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, skywere closed,וַיִּסָּֽכְרוּ֙ (way·yis·sā·ḵə·rū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5534: To shut up, to surrenderand the rainהַגֶּ֖שֶׁם (hag·ge·šem)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1653: Rain, showerfromמִן־ (min-)Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out ofthe skyהַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ (haš·šā·mā·yim)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, skywas restrained.וַיִּכָּלֵ֥א (way·yik·kā·lê)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3607: To shut up, restrain, withhold
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OT Law: Genesis 8:2 The deep's fountains and the sky's windows (Gen. Ge Gn) |
