Bible Strands
Genesis 8:11
And behold, the dove returned to him in the evening with a freshly plucked olive leaf in her beak. So Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Noah remains inside the ark while observing a dove that returns to him at evening after being released.
The words — The text highlights הַ/יּוֹנָה֙ (hai./yo.Nah) as "the dove" and עֲלֵה־ זַ֖יִת ('a.leh- Za.yit) as "a leaf of olive," noting the bird's physical return carrying plant matter.
The thread — The olive leaf motif appears in Zechariah 4:12 regarding olive branches beside oil pipes, while the theme of sent messengers carrying news connects to Nehemiah 8:15 and Romans 10:15.
Why it lands — The text states that Noah recognized the waters had receded from the earth upon seeing the leaf. A reader must acknowledge that observable change, rather than wishful thinking, provided the factual basis for Noah's certainty.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.
Cross-references
- Nehemiah 8:15 and that they should proclaim this message and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the hill country and bring back branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.”
- Zechariah 4:12 And I questioned him further, “What are the two olive branches beside the two gold pipes from which the golden oil pours?”
- Romans 10:15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”