Bible Figure
Noah
biblical prophet, son of Lamech, major figure in the Book of Genesis
Noah was the righteous man whom God chose to preserve through the Flood. At God's command he built the ark, entered it with his family and representatives of the animals, and survived the judgment that destroyed the violent world around him. After the Flood, Noah worshiped God, received God's covenant sign of the rainbow, and became the ancestor of the post-Flood human family.
Biography
Noah was the son of Lamech and a descendant of Adam through Seth. Genesis describes the world of his day as deeply corrupt and violent, while Noah found favor with God and is described as righteous in his generation. God warned him of a coming Flood and instructed him to build an ark. Noah obeyed, entering the ark with his wife, his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, their wives, and the animals God directed him to preserve. After the waters receded, Noah left the ark and built an altar to the Lord. God established a covenant with Noah and his descendants, promising never again to destroy all flesh by a flood and giving the rainbow as the covenant sign. Genesis also records Noah's later planting of a vineyard, his drunkenness, and the episode involving his sons that led to blessings and a curse concerning their descendants. Later Scripture remembers Noah as an example of righteousness, faith, and deliverance through judgment.
Biblical Significance
Noah stands at a major turning point in biblical history. His story joins divine judgment against sin with grace, preservation, covenant, and a renewed beginning for humanity. Jesus and the apostles use the days of Noah as an illustration of judgment, preparedness, faith, and salvation. The Noahic covenant also establishes God's continuing commitment to the created order and to the human family after the Flood.