Genesis 6:9-21

This is the story of Noah. Noah was a godly man of integrity, without fault in his generation, and he lived close to God. Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Injustice and violence filled the world; the earth was ruined in the sight of God, for he saw how debased the world had become, for everyone was corrupt to the core. So God said to Noah, “I have decided that all living creatures must die, for their violence has filled the earth, and I will wipe them off the face of the earth! Build a boat for yourself—an ark of sturdy timber. And this is how you are to design it: make separate compartments within it, and seal it inside and out with thick tar. The length is to be 450 feet, its width 75 feet, and its height 45 feet. Cover it with a roof, but leave a gap of eighteen inches at the top for ventilation. Construct a door on the side of the ark, and design it with lower, middle, and upper decks. I am going to release a great flood that will destroy all life upon the earth, and every breathing thing under heaven will perish—everything on earth will die. But as for you, I will establish my covenant of friendship, and you will escape destruction by coming into the ark, you and your wife, your sons and their wives. Bring with you into the ark a pair of every animal, male and female; and they will also be spared. Different kinds of birds, animals large and small —two of every kind I will send to you to be kept alive. Also take with you every kind of food, both for you and them.”