Definition: And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth [was] an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It’s a really important and symbolic passage from Genesis! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse tells us about a very significant event – Noah was saving humanity from a massive flood. The “dove” is a symbol of peace and hope. Let's unpack the details: “And the dove came in to him…” - A dove is a common image in Jewish tradition, representing spiritual guidance and divine presence. It’s coming to Noah means it's bringing something important to him. “…in the evening…” – This tells us this happened at sunset, suggesting a time of quiet reflection and preparation. “And, lo, in her mouth [was] an olive leaf pluckt off…” - This is the really striking part! A dove’s beak is designed to pick up fruit like olives. Inside its beak, Noah found a single, perfect olive leaf. What does this mean ? The Waters Abated: The verse says that the waters were "abated" – meaning they had stopped rising and flooding the earth. This is a HUGE deal! Noah knew… - This shows Noah was aware of what was happening. So, the overall message is this: The dove’s olive leaf represents a divine sign that God has decided to let the waters recede. It's a message of relief and hope . It signifies that God is forgiving humanity after a terrible disaster. Why is this important? This verse is considered one of the most important in the Bible because it’s often interpreted as a promise of renewal and a chance for humanity to begin again after a devastating flood. It's a reminder that God cares about us and wants to restore balance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the symbolism behind the dove? Connect this verse to other stories or themes in the Bible?