Genesis 7:17

17 The deluge continued 40 days on the earth; the waters increased and lifted up the ark so that it rose 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 Two of all flesh that has the breath of life in it entered the ark with Noah.

16 Those that entered, male and female of all flesh, entered just as God had commanded him. Then the Lord shut him in.

17 The deluge continued 40 days on the earth; the waters increased and lifted up the ark so that it rose above the earth.

18 The waters surged and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water.

19 Then the waters surged even higher on the earth, and all the high mountains under the whole sky were covered.