Genesis 7:17

17 The flood was forty days on the earth; the water grew higher and floated the ark, so that it was lifted up off 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 went in to Noach in the ark, couples from every kind of living thing that breathes.

16 Those that entered went in, male and female, from every kind of living being, as God had ordered him; and ADONAI shut him inside.

17 The flood was forty days on the earth; the water grew higher and floated the ark, so that it was lifted up off the earth.

18 The water overflowed the earth and grew deeper, until the ark floated on the surface of the water.

19 The water overpowered the earth mightily; all the high mountains under the entire sky were covered;