In the Genesis account of Noah’s Ark, what was Noah told to make for the ark to let in light?

The story behind the answer

In the Genesis account of Noah’s Ark, Noah was told to make a window for the ark to let in light.

Genesis 6:16 lists structural features of the ark, including a window, a door in its side, and three decks. The Hebrew term and the exact architectural form of this opening have been discussed by translators, so English editions may render some details differently.

The window is not the same feature as the ark’s door. The door is the entrance named in the construction instructions, while the window is associated with light and later with Noah’s observation of the flood conditions. Genesis 8:6 specifically says Noah opened the window after the mountaintops became visible.

Illustrations often depict the ark with many windows or a large modern skylight, but Genesis gives only a brief description. Its stated design includes one named window, a side door, and three levels.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

Add question to a list

Choose a list to keep this question in: