Genesis 7:17

17 The flood remained on the earth for forty days. The waters rose, lifted the ark, and it rode high above the earth.

Genesis 7:17 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 7:17

And the flood was forty days upon the earth
This is said with respect to what follows, and the meaning is, that when and after the flood had been upon the earth so long, then the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above
the earth;
after this they were so many and so strong that they lifted up the ark from the place where it stood, and bore it up, that it touched not the earth; and Aben Ezra from hence infers, that the ark did not remove from its place after the flood began, until forty days.

Genesis 7:17 In-Context

15 they came to Noah and entered the ark, two of every creature that breathes.

16 Male and female of every creature went in, just as God had commanded him. Then the LORD closed the door behind them.

17 The flood remained on the earth for forty days. The waters rose, lifted the ark, and it rode high above the earth.

18 The waters rose and spread out over the earth. The ark floated on the surface of the waters.

19 The waters rose even higher over the earth; they covered all of the highest mountains under the sky.