Topical Encyclopedia Floods are significant events in the biblical narrative, often symbolizing both divine judgment and deliverance. The most notable flood in the Bible is the Great Flood during the time of Noah, which serves as a pivotal moment in the history of humanity and God's relationship with His creation.The Great Flood The account of the Great Flood is found in Genesis 6-9. It describes how God, grieved by the wickedness of humanity, decided to cleanse the earth with a flood. "The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time" (Genesis 6:5). In response, God chose Noah, a righteous man, to build an ark to preserve his family and pairs of every living creature. "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD" (Genesis 6:8). The floodwaters covered the earth for 150 days, destroying all life outside the ark. "And the waters prevailed upon the earth for 150 days" (Genesis 7:24). After the waters receded, God made a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again. The rainbow was given as a sign of this covenant: "I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth" (Genesis 9:13). Symbolism and Themes Floods in the Bible often symbolize judgment and purification. The Great Flood represents God's judgment on sin and His desire to restore righteousness. It also highlights themes of obedience and faith, as Noah's adherence to God's commands led to the preservation of life. Floods can also symbolize deliverance and new beginnings. After the flood, Noah and his family emerged to a cleansed world, signifying a fresh start for humanity. This theme of renewal is echoed in other biblical passages where water is used as a symbol of cleansing and rebirth. Other Biblical References While the Great Flood is the most prominent, other biblical passages reference floods metaphorically or literally. In the Psalms, floods often symbolize overwhelming troubles or divine intervention. "The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their pounding waves" (Psalm 93:3). Here, the psalmist acknowledges God's sovereignty over the chaotic forces of nature. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of floods to teach about the importance of a strong spiritual foundation. In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, He says, "The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock" (Matthew 7:25). This illustrates the security found in a life built on obedience to Christ's teachings. Theological Implications Floods in the Bible underscore God's power and authority over creation. They remind believers of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance. At the same time, they offer hope in God's mercy and faithfulness, as seen in His covenant with Noah. The narrative of the Great Flood and other flood imagery throughout Scripture serve as enduring reminders of God's justice, grace, and the promise of redemption. Greek 4215. potamos -- a river ... Word Origin from pino Definition a river NASB Word Usage floods (2), River (2), river (6), rivers (4), riverside* (1), torrent (2). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4215.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 2229. zaram -- to pour forth in floods, flood away... 2228, 2229. zaram. 2230 . to pour forth in floods, flood away. Transliteration: zaram Phonetic Spelling: (zaw-ram') Short Definition: like. Word Origin a prim ... /hebrew/2229.htm - 6k 5104. nahar -- a stream, river Library Many Waters Cannot Quench Love, Neither Can the Floods Drown It ... Whether, Then, There are Cycles of Time, and Floods... The Sermon on the Mount. After This, Being Desirous to Show that it is Nothing Either ... Be for Thou Art' Psalm XCVIII. An Exhortation to the People Respecting Fortitude and Patience... Noah's Flood Come and Welcome Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Thesaurus Floods (37 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Floods (37 Occurrences). Matthew 7:25 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat ... /f/floods.htm - 17k Seas (40 Occurrences) Waves (43 Occurrences) Roaring (28 Occurrences) Pounding (4 Occurrences) Breakers (7 Occurrences) Flood (70 Occurrences) Ungodliness (9 Occurrences) Overwhelmed (33 Occurrences) Winds (35 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean God is our refuge and strength and an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1)? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any evidence for the giants mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of shigionoth in Habakkuk? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Floods (37 Occurrences)Matthew 7:25 Matthew 7:27 Romans 5:5 Exodus 15:5 Exodus 15:8 2 Samuel 22:5 2 Kings 19:24 Job 14:19 Job 20:17 Job 22:11 Job 28:11 Job 38:34 Psalms 18:4 Psalms 24:2 Psalms 32:6 Psalms 69:2 Psalms 78:44 Psalms 93:3 Psalms 98:8 Song of Songs 8:7 Isaiah 1:7 Isaiah 18:2 Isaiah 18:7 Isaiah 37:25 Isaiah 43:2 Isaiah 43:19 Isaiah 43:20 Isaiah 44:3 Isaiah 47:2 Ezekiel 29:3 Ezekiel 29:4 Ezekiel 29:5 Ezekiel 29:10 Ezekiel 30:12 Ezekiel 31:15 Jonah 2:3 Nahum 1:4 Subtopics Related Terms |