The answer is: Eight

1 Pe 3:20 - Eight souls were saved by the ark, Noah, his three sons and the four wives.

The story of Noah's Ark is one packed with lessons and trivia! When you think about Noah and his family—the eight souls saved from the flood—you can’t help but ponder their world. Imagine a time where corrupt behavior seemed to have overtaken humanity! And yet, in this chaos, Noah's household was given the monumental task of nurturing a new beginning.

Trivia time! Did you know that the Ark was built about 400 cubits long, equivalent to around 600 feet—about 25 feet short of the Statue of Liberty? That's quite a boat! Regardless of the size, Noah's Ark isn't just a pitch-coated vessel; it symbolizes a moral stand. In literature and art, it serves as a beacon of hope amid calamity.

Interestingly, the narrative weaves within it an echo—much like other ancient flood myths (think the Epic of Gilgamesh!)—which suggests such a monumental event resonated across cultures significantly. These stories tended to emphasize the survival of humanity despite divine judgment.

Niagara Falls of events were not rare in biblical texts; consider how light and darkness played drastically different roles: just as light creates creation in the Genesis, the flood both purged and preserved that which was seen as righteous.

The location desolation led by the flood ultimately became a stage for re-creation—a chance for humanity to learn a lesson in coexistence and the importance of values. So, Noah's modest family of eight is indeed a big symbol of resilience and continuity in the grand tapestry of biblical heritage!