Genesis 6
“When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. 3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.”
4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.
5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
9 This is the account of Noah and his family.
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. 10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth.
11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15 This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high. 16 Make a roof for it, leaving below the roof an opening one cubit high all around. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. 17 I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. 18 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. 19 You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. 20 Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. 21 You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them.”
22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”
Genesis 6 Meaning
Genesis 6 is a chapter in the book of Genesis that tells the story of the great flood. It describes how the wickedness of the people on the earth had increased, grieving the heart of God. In response, God decided to send a flood to wipe out all living creatures, with the exception of Noah and his family, who found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
Genesis 6 Commentary and Explanation
Genesis 6 marks a significant turning point in the Bible, detailing the descent of humanity into wickedness and God’s decision to bring about the flood as a judgment upon the earth. As we delve into this chapter, it’s crucial to understand the context and the implications of the events described.
The chapter opens with a troubling observation: the increasing wickedness of humanity. We see a pervasive corruption spreading across the earth, with violence becoming commonplace. This description reflects the deterioration of moral values and the deepening estrangement from God. It’s a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience.
One of the most enigmatic aspects of Genesis 6 is the mention of the Nephilim, the offspring of the “sons of God” and the “daughters of men.” The identity of these “sons of God” has been debated among scholars, with interpretations ranging from fallen angels to human rulers or Sethites intermarrying with Cainites. Regardless of their precise nature, their union with human women produced a race of giants, the Nephilim, renowned for their strength and prowess. This intermingling of divine and human lineage further illustrates the moral corruption and spiritual degradation of the time.
God’s response to the wickedness of humanity is both just and merciful. He decides to wipe out all living creatures from the face of the earth through a catastrophic flood. However, in the midst of this judgment, we see God’s grace manifested in His favor towards Noah. Noah is described as a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries, who walked faithfully with God. In a world consumed by evil, Noah stands out as a beacon of righteousness and obedience. This highlights the importance of individual faithfulness and the possibility of finding favor in God’s sight even in the darkest times.
God instructs Noah to build an ark, providing him with detailed specifications for its construction. This ark becomes a symbol of salvation, a refuge from the impending judgment. Through Noah’s obedience, God offers a way of escape for him, his family, and representatives of all living creatures. This prefigures the ultimate deliverance offered through Jesus Christ, who provides salvation from sin and death for all who believe in Him.
As Noah diligently follows God’s instructions, he becomes a preacher of righteousness, warning his contemporaries of the impending judgment. Despite his efforts, however, the people remain hardened in their rebellion, refusing to heed the message of repentance. Their refusal to listen serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God’s word and the reality of divine judgment.
In Genesis 6, we see the collision of divine justice and mercy, the consequences of human sin, and the faithfulness of God amidst widespread unfaithfulness. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of living in obedience to God’s commands and seeking His grace and mercy in all circumstances. As we reflect on this chapter, may we learn from Noah’s example, walking faithfully with God amidst the challenges and temptations of our own time.
Also Read: Genesis 5 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Genesis 6
The context of Genesis 6 is crucial in understanding the significance of the flood. In the preceding chapters, we see the exponential growth of humanity after the creation of Adam and Eve. However, along with the growth of human population came the increase of sin and wickedness.
In Genesis 6:5, it says, “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time” (NIV). God could no longer tolerate the evil that had permeated the earth, and He decided to take action.
Despite the prevailing wickedness, Noah found favor in the eyes of God. He was described as a righteous and blameless man who walked faithfully with God (Genesis 6:9). Because of his righteousness, God chose to save Noah and his family from the impending judgment of the flood.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 6
The wickedness of the people: The people on the earth had become corrupt and evil, causing God great grief.
The favor of Noah: Noah, a righteous man who walked faithfully with God, found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
God’s plan for the flood: God decided to send a flood to wipe out all living creatures, but He provided a way of escape for Noah and his family by instructing Noah to build an ark.
The preservation of Noah: Noah and his family, along with pairs of every kind of animal, were kept safe in the ark while the rest of the world perished in the flood.
Lessons From Genesis 6
1. The consequences of sin: The story of Noah and the flood reminds us of the devastating consequences of sin. It shows us that God’s judgment will come upon those who refuse to turn away from evil.
2. The importance of righteousness: Noah stood out as a righteous man in a wicked generation. His faithfulness to God saved him and his family from destruction. We are called to live righteous lives in a corrupt world, drawing close to God and obeying His commands.
3. God’s mercy and grace: Despite the flood being a destructive event, it also demonstrates God’s mercy and grace. He provided a way of escape for Noah and his family, showcasing His loving and compassionate nature.
4. The power of faith: Noah’s obedience and faith in God’s instructions to build the ark saved him and his family. Trusting in God and following His commands, even when they may seem unusual or difficult, can lead to our deliverance and protection.
Final Thoughts
The story of Noah and the flood is not just a historical event; it carries significant spiritual lessons for us today. As Christians, we are called to be a light in the darkness, standing firm in our faith and living righteously amidst a world that is filled with wickedness. Let us learn from Noah’s example, remaining faithful to God even in the face of opposition, and trust in His mercy and grace when we find ourselves in the midst of life’s storms.