1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they [were] fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also [is] flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare [children] to them, the same [became] mighty men which [were] of old, men of renown.
5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually.
6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
9 These [are] the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man [and] perfect in his generations, [and] Noah walked with God.
10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
15 And this [is the fashion] which thou shalt make it [of]: The length of the ark [shall be] three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; [with] lower, second, and third [stories] shalt thou make it.
17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein [is] the breath of life, from under heaven; [and] every thing that [is] in the earth shall die.
18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee.
19 And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every [sort] shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep [them] alive with thee; they shall be male and female.
20 Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every [sort] shall come unto thee, to keep [them] alive.
21 And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather [it] to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.
22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
Overview of Genesis Chapter 6
Genesis Chapter 6 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, detailing the state of humanity, the consequences of sin, and the beginnings of God’s plan for redemption through Noah. This chapter sets the stage for the Flood, highlighting themes of judgment, grace, and the covenant relationship between God and humanity.
Key Themes
- Corruption of Humanity: The chapter opens with a description of the wickedness that had spread among people.
- Divine Judgment: God’s decision to cleanse the earth through the Flood demonstrates His holiness and justice.
- Noah’s Righteousness: Noah is portrayed as a righteous man, chosen by God to preserve a remnant of creation.
- Covenant: The establishment of a covenant with Noah signifies God’s commitment to humanity despite their failings.
Summary of Verses
- Verses 1-4: The “sons of God” and the “daughters of men” intermarry, leading to an increase in wickedness. This passage raises questions about the identity of the “sons of God,” with interpretations varying between fallen angels, the line of Seth, or the godly lineage intermingling with the ungodly.
- Verses 5-7: God observes the great wickedness of humanity and regrets creating mankind. This anthropomorphic expression of regret emphasizes the severity of human sin and leads to God’s decision to destroy all living beings.
- Verses 8-10: In contrast to the pervasive wickedness, Noah finds favor in God’s eyes. He is described as a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries, and a man of faith.
- Verses 11-13: The earth is described as corrupt and filled with violence. God reveals His intention to destroy all flesh due to the corruption that has filled the earth.
- Verses 14-16: God instructs Noah to build an ark, providing specific dimensions and materials. This detailed instruction highlights the importance of obedience and preparation for the impending judgment.
- Verses 17-22: God promises to bring a flood to destroy all living creatures, but He also assures Noah that he and his family will be saved. The chapter concludes with God’s instructions for the ark’s inhabitants, emphasizing the preservation of life.
Theological Implications
Genesis 6 presents several theological implications that resonate throughout the biblical narrative:
- Human Sinfulness: The chapter underscores the pervasive nature of sin and its consequences, setting the stage for the need for redemption.
- God’s Sovereignty: God’s control over creation is evident in His ability to judge and save, highlighting His authority and power.
- Grace and Judgment: The juxtaposition of God’s judgment on the wicked and His grace towards Noah illustrates the complex nature of God’s character.
- Covenantal Relationship: The establishment of a covenant with Noah foreshadows future covenants in the Bible, particularly the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, which further develop God’s plan for humanity.
Conclusion
Genesis Chapter 6 serves as a crucial turning point in the biblical narrative, illustrating the depth of human depravity and the nature of divine judgment. It emphasizes God’s grace through the figure of Noah, who becomes a key player in God’s redemptive plan. This chapter not only sets the stage for the Flood but also introduces themes that will resonate throughout the entirety of Scripture.
