How Long Did the Waters Prevail on the Earth During the Flood?

The Flood of Noah’s time was one of the most significant events in biblical history. While the rain itself lasted 40 days and 40 nights, the waters did not recede immediately. Scripture provides precise details about how long the waters prevailed, helping us understand the timeline, severity, and purpose of the Flood.

This article explains the biblical account of the floodwaters, their duration, and the theological significance of their prevalence on the earth.

---

1. Biblical References About the Floodwaters

Genesis 7:17–24

“And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark… And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills… were covered. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and all flesh died that moved upon the earth… And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.”

Key points:

• The rain lasted 40 days and nights.

• The waters continued to rise and prevail for 150 days.

• The waters covered every high hill, showing the flood’s global impact.

Thus, the “prevailing of the waters” refers to the period when the earth remained submerged and the floodwaters dominated the surface.

---

2. What Does “Waters Prevailed” Mean?

The phrase in Hebrew can be understood as:

• Rising and covering the land

• Dominating the surface of the earth

• Sustaining the ark above all land

This period was not just about rainfall but also about water already released from the fountains of the great deep, creating a worldwide inundation.

---

3. The Duration of the Waters Prevailing

A. 150 Days of Prevailing

Genesis 7:24 states clearly:

“And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.”

• 150 days = approximately 5 months

• During this time, the waters remained at their maximum level, covering mountains and hills.

• The ark floated safely above the submerged world.

B. Difference Between Rain and Prevailing

• Rain: 40 days and nights (Genesis 7:12)

• Waters prevailing: 150 days (Genesis 7:24)

The waters continued to exist long after the rain stopped. The floodwaters were sustained by:

• Subterranean waters (fountains of the great deep)

• Overflow from rainfall accumulation

• Tectonic and geological changes caused by the flood

This distinction shows that the Flood’s effects lasted far longer than just the rainfall.

---

4. Timeline in Context

The 150 days of prevailing waters are part of a larger flood timeline:

Key Fact:
👉 The waters prevailed on the earth for 150 days, or roughly five months, before receding.

---

5. Why the Waters Prevailed for So Long

A. Complete Judgment

The floodwaters were not just rainwater; they represented divine judgment on a corrupt world:

• Every living thing outside the ark perished

• The prevalence ensured total destruction of wickedness (Genesis 6:13, 7:21–23)

B. Preservation of Creation

While destroying the wicked, the ark preserved Noah, his family, and the clean and unclean animals, maintaining life for post-flood renewal.

C. Symbolic Meaning

The 150 days of prevailing waters:

• Foreshadow spiritual cleansing (1 Peter 3:20–21)

• Represent a period of trial and testing

• Highlight God’s sovereignty over creation

---

6. After the Waters Began to Recede

Even after 150 days, the waters did not immediately disappear:

• The ark rested on Mount Ararat (Genesis 8:4)

• Waters gradually lowered over the next months

• By the 601st year, Noah saw dry land (Genesis 8:13–14)

This shows that the total duration of the Flood exceeded one year, combining the rain, prevailing waters, and recession.

---

7. Theological Significance

The period of the waters prevailing teaches several spiritual truths:

1. God’s judgment is thorough: The waters covered all land and every living creature outside the ark.

2. God preserves the faithful: Noah and the ark represent divine protection.

3. Testing and patience: 150 days of uncertainty demanded trust and obedience from Noah and his family.

4. Renewal and covenant: After the waters receded, God established a covenant with Noah, symbolized by the rainbow (Genesis 9:12–17).

---

Conclusion

The floodwaters prevailed on the earth for 150 days, or about five months, covering mountains and destroying every living thing outside the ark. This period of prevailing waters was distinct from the 40 days of rain, highlighting the prolonged impact of God’s judgment.

The duration demonstrates God’s justice, the seriousness of sin, and His care for those who obey. It also emphasizes the spiritual lessons of faith, patience, and the promise of renewal through divine mercy.

How long did it rain during the Flood