Definition: And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 8:3. It’s a really important passage about God’s power to cleanse something and restore order. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, God was washing away a massive flood that had been happening for a long time. Let’s break it down further: “And the waters returned from off the earth continually” : This means the water started to flow back into the oceans and rivers. It wasn't just a small amount; it was a consistent, ongoing return. Think of it like rain that keeps coming back after a storm. “After the end of the hundred and fifty days…” : This is a crucial part. The verse tells us how long this continued returning happened. "A hundred and fifty days" refers to a period of time, likely around 154 days – which was a significant amount of time for a large flood. “…the waters were abated.” : This means the water level started to go down. It wasn't completely gone, but it lessened significantly. What does this all mean in a bigger picture? This is often interpreted as God actively working to end the wickedness and chaos of humanity. The flood was a symbol of a time when humans were making a mess and upsetting God’s perfect order. By sending the waters back, God was saying: “I'm restoring balance and bringing a new beginning.” It's a message of hope and restoration. It shows that even after something bad happens, God is capable of healing and creating peace again. Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Give you a bit more context about the time period when this verse was written?