In Genesis, how many days did the floodwaters prevail over the earth after the rain began?

In Genesis, the floodwaters prevailed over the earth for one hundred fifty days.

Genesis gives forty days and forty nights for the rain, then separately says that the waters prevailed on the earth for 150 days. The latter figure describes the period during which the floodwaters remained dominant, so it should not be substituted with the better-known duration of the rainfall.

The account then moves through a gradual retreat. Genesis says God caused a wind to pass over the earth, the fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were closed, and the waters receded. The ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat in the seventh month, while the mountain tops became visible later.

The chronology is a frequent source of questions because several time spans appear close together. Genesis also says the waters continued to decrease until the earth was dry. Thus, 150 days is a specific floodwater figure, not a claim that every part of the narrative lasted only that long. The answer follows the wording of Genesis 7:24.