The story of Noah will go down in history as one of the fascinating bible stories, primarily due to the incredible faith Noah displayed when He obeyed God and built the ark, despite ridicule from the people around him. When he built the ark, Noah was not the only one spared from destruction; God instructed him to take his family with him into the ark. What many people may be curious to find out is how many wives did Noah have?
In the book of Genesis, it is implied that Noah had one wife. As the Lord instructed Noah on how he will build the ark and who will enter it with him, He told Noah to bring his wife, his three sons, and their wives. The word wife suggests that he had only one wife and not several wives.
Where in the book of Genesis exactly is Noah’s wife mentioned? Is there anywhere else in the Bible that she’s mentioned? Is her name mentioned anywhere? To get the answers to these questions, keep reading.
Where in Genesis does it mention Noah’s wife?
In the book of Genesis, Noah’s wife is mentioned severally, but we are not told what her name is. The first time she is mentioned is when God is giving Noah instructions on the measurements of the ark, how he will build it, and who will enter the ark with him. God tells Noah in Genesis chapter six, verse eighteen, to take his wife, his sons, and their wives into the ark with him.
But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you. Genesis 6:18
The next time Noah’s wife is mentioned in the book of Genesis was when the ark was completed and it was time to enter it. Just like God instructed, Noah obediently went into the ark with his wife, sons, and his son’s wives. This is recorded in Genesis chapter seven, verse seven.
And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood. Genesis 7:7
Noah’s wife is mentioned again in Genesis chapter seven, verse thirteen. This scenario is similar to the previous one mentioned and demonstrates Noah, his wife, his sons, and their wives entering the ark, just before the rain started.
On that very day, Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, together with his wife and three sons’ wives, entered the ark. Genesis 7:13
Further, in the book of Genesis, Noah’s wife is mentioned again in Genesis chapter eight verses sixteen and eighteen. At this point, the flood occurred and destroyed the entire earth and every human being and animal that was in existence. Noah, his wife, his sons, and their wives had been in the ark during the forty days it rained and when the whole earth was flooded. Once the earth was dry, God instructed Noah to leave the ark. Including his wife, his sons, their wives, and all the animals. Noah did as the Lord had instructed him.
“Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives. Genesis 8:16
So Noah came out, together with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives. Genesis 8:18
Where else in the Bible does it mention Noah’s wife?
Besides the book of Genesis, Noah’s wife is also mentioned in the new testament, particularly in the book of 2nd Peter, chapter two, verse five. In this chapter, Peter is speaking about the destruction that the ungodly are in danger of receiving from the Lord unless they change their ways. He gives the example of how the flood destroyed humanity due to their evil, but Noah and seven others were spared due to his righteousness.
If he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 2 Peter 2:5
The number seven as mentioned is important for us to know how many wives Noah had. Keeping in mind that God instructed Noah to get into the ark with his wife, his three sons, and their wives, Noah’s three sons, and their wives all add up to six. Therefore, there’s only one person left among the ‘seven others, and that could be Noah’s wife.
What was Noah’s wife’s name?
As seen in the instances in both the New and Old testaments, Noah’s wife is mentioned, but we don’t get to know her name. However, in the book of Genesis chapter four, verse twenty-two, Noah’s lineage is mentioned, and it is believed that Noah’s wife was named Naamah.
Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron. Tubal-Cain’s sister was Naamah. Genesis 4:22
This explanation for what Noah’s wife’s name was is just speculation by biblical scholars and not a known fact. Many scholars wonder why Naamah was mentioned, but we hear nothing special about her. This has led many to believe that she could have been Noah’s wife.
Apart from biblical references, Jewish writing, known as the book of Jubilees, mentioned Noah’s wife’s name as Emzara. Emzara stands for ‘mother of a princess,’ It is believed that the princess being referred to is Sarah, Abraham’s wife, whose name stands for a princess. This would explain why her name also stands for ‘ancestor of Sarah.’
From the book of Jubilees, we also learn that she is Noah’s first cousin because she was the daughter of Rake’el, Noah’s father’s brother.
To this day, Noah’s wife’s real name is a subject of debate, and we can only speculate what it was.
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Meet the ladies in Noah’s life
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
