Genesis 7:12 gives the specific duration:
“And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights.”
For forty days and nights, God poured out relentless rain upon the earth as part of His judgment. However, the floodwaters did not subside immediately after this period. Genesis 7:17 explains:
“Now the flood was on the earth forty days. The waters increased and lifted up the ark, and it rose high above the earth.”
Although rain fell for forty days, the waters continued to prevail for much longer. Genesis 7:24 says:
“And the waters prevailed on the earth one hundred and fifty days.”
The rain and the bursting forth of the fountains of the great deep (Genesis 7:11) caused global devastation. Mountains were covered, and all life outside the ark perished (Genesis 7:19–23). Noah, his family, and the animals remained in the ark for over a year until the earth was dry again (Genesis 8:13–14).
The forty days of rain symbolize God’s complete and thorough judgment on human wickedness. It also demonstrates His power to both destroy and save. Just as Noah and his family were preserved through faith and obedience, so believers today find safety in Christ, our ultimate ark of salvation.
