How many people went on noah's ark?

Answer 1

Eight people is the classic answer because most people do not read with the intent to find deeper meaning. In Genesis chapter 7, verses 13-16 (KJV) give a detail description of all who were listed upon the ark. Most were sent in by two except for those of "clean" animals which would be set aside for sacrifice and they went in by 7. (Note: all information is brought forth from The Bible- King James Version)

Verse 13, it gives the names of Noah, Shem, Ham, Japheth and their wives. This is where most people would answer, 8. However, as one who studied Foreign Language, I understand the Bible is a translated work. The original Scripture was written in Hebrew. Therefore, I was curious for more of a mechanical view so I researched each of the English words for a deeper meaning in the Hebrew language. It was not until the 15th verse that a revelation of more people upon the ark.

"And they (the animal life listed in verse 14) went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life."

"...two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life." is the key here. In Hebrew, the word breath is ruach. Ruach occurs 389 times in the Old Testament. In each instance, it was given to show characteristic of the following: God, Holy Spirit, mankind, and angels. It denotes "invisible force" or the psychological of a being. This was given to mankind from God, the Creator of all things (See the book of John, chapter 1) Although, animal life, e.g. a cow, does breathe air and would die without air, it does not have a soul. There is possibility, there are those who may believe that animals do have a soul however I base my thought from faith in the written WORD of God.

Therefore, it is my contention that the "two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life" are those of the Gentile people as would be known later by the children of Israel. Remember, the children of Israel where a chosen people from the Messiah would come from to bring salvation to all nations, kindred, tongues. Maybe, this will give a better appreciation of the genealogies scribed in the Word of God. It shows the family lineage from which Jesus was born. (Matthew chapter 1 -royal lineage and Luke 3- natural lineage)

Answer 2

There were 8 people in the ark.

(according to the mythology)