In Genesis, what opening did Noah place near the top of the Ark?

In Genesis, Noah placed a window near the top of the Ark.

Genesis 6:16 instructs Noah to make an opening, commonly translated as a window, and to finish the Ark with a door in its side. The window is distinct from the Ark’s entrance and from the later sending out of birds.

The Hebrew term translated as “window” has generated discussion because translations differ in how they describe its shape or placement. Some versions use terms such as “roof” or “opening,” but the familiar English biblical wording is a window near the top.

After the flood, Genesis says Noah opened the window and sent out a raven, followed by doves at intervals. That scene makes the opening important both as a source of light and ventilation and as the point through which Noah observed whether the waters had receded.