Noah was the son of Lamech and the tenth generation from Adam through the godly line of Seth Genesis 5:28-29 . His name means “rest” or “relief,” and Lamech expressed hope at Noah’s birth that he would bring comfort from the cursed ground. From the beginning, Noah stood out as a man marked by God for a special purpose.

As wickedness and corruption spread across the earth, God declared judgment upon humanity. Yet in the midst of the darkness, Noah found favor with the Lord Genesis 6:8-9 . God revealed to him that He would send a flood and instructed him to build an ark to preserve his family and representatives of every living creature Genesis 6:13-22 . Noah obeyed completely, despite likely never having seen rain before. At age 600, he and his family entered the ark, and God shut them in Genesis 7:1-24 .

Noah is described as righteous, blameless among his generation, and one who walked with God. His obedience and intimate relationship with God set him apart. Throughout the long years of building the ark, he remained faithful. He is called a “herald of righteousness” who warned others even as judgment approached 2 Peter 2:5 . Hebrews says that by faith, Noah condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith Hebrews 11:7 .

After over a year aboard the ark, Noah and his family emerged onto dry ground. His first act was to build an altar and offer sacrifices to the Lord. God responded with a promise never again to destroy the earth by flood and established an everlasting covenant with Noah and all living things, marked by the sign of the rainbow Genesis 8:20-22 Genesis 9:1-17 .

Although the worldwide flood cleansed the earth from corruption for a time, sin would once again grow throughout humanity. Noah became a farmer and planted a vineyard. One day, he drank too much wine and lay uncovered in his tent. Ham dishonored him, but Shem and Japheth respectfully covered their father. Noah responded with a curse on Ham’s son Canaan and a blessing on Shem and Japheth Genesis 9:20-27 .

Noah lived 350 more years after the flood and died at age 950 Genesis 9:28-29 . Through his sons, the earth was repopulated Genesis 9:18-19 . Though not perfect, Noah is revered as a model of faith. Twice in Ezekiel 14, God lists Noah alongside Daniel and Job as paragons of righteousness Ezekiel 14:14-20 . Jesus warned that just as in the days of Noah, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man Matthew 24:37-39 Luke 17:26-27 .