Genesis 6 delves into a critical juncture in mankind's early history, when humanity's wickedness led to God's decision to cleanse the earth with a great flood. However, amidst this impending doom, Noah, a righteous man, found favor with God, thereby kindling a beacon of hope for mankind's survival and renewal.
• Timeframe: Roughly the 10th generation from Adam (see 5:1-32).
• Population boom: “When men began to multiply” (6:1) marks a shift from family clans to city-like communities, escalating sin.
2. Alternative view: godly Sethite men intermarrying with Cainite women.
The text’s contrast—“sons of God” versus “daughters of men”—and the New Testament’s angelic references favor the first reading. Either way, the unions violate God’s order and accelerate lawlessness.
“Nephilim were on the earth in those days” (6:4). Hebrew root n-p-l means “to fall” or “to overpower.” Later spies call the Anakim “Nephilim” (Numbers 13:33). Skeleton finds of unusually tall people in Bashan and elsewhere, plus megalithic structures like those at Rujm el-Hiri in the Golan Heights, illustrate a legacy of giant lore in the region.
“My Spirit will not contend with man forever…his days shall be 120 years” (6:3). Rather than a new lifespan limit (people still lived longer after the flood), this is a grace period: humanity has 120 years to repent before judgment falls (compare1 Peter 3:20).
“The LORD regretted that He had made man” (6:6). The wording shows deep sorrow, not a mistake.Psalm 78:40-41 echoes God’s pain over rebellion. Yet verse 8 balances the ledger: “Noah found favor,” highlighting that one obedient life can alter history.
• Righteous: doing what is right.
• Blameless: free of scandal.
• Size: 300 cubits × 50 cubits × 30 cubits ≈ 450 × 75 × 45 ft (137 × 23 × 14 m). That equals 1.4 million cubic feet—room for roughly 450 semi-trailers.
• Materials: gopher wood (possibly cypress) coated with pitch inside and out, ensuring buoyancy.
• Design: three decks, rooms (“nests”), single door, skylight for light and ventilation—simple yet seaworthy. Modern scale models built to these specs have shown remarkable stability.
• Mesopotamia: Atrahasis, Gilgamesh.
• China: account of Nu-wa.
• Native American, Australian, and African tribes: deluge traditions with a single family surviving. These widespread echoes support Genesis as the foundational record.
“I will establish My covenant with you” (6:18). This is the Bible’s second covenant promise (after God’s word to Adam and Eve in 3:15). The formal ratification comes in 9:8-17, but the relationship is already underway. God rescues, then stipulates terms—grace first, instruction second.
• Ark = a wooden shelter lifting believers above judgment; Cross = wooden instrument lifting Christ to bear judgment for believers (1 Peter 3:18-22 links the two directly).
• God sees every motive; secret sin is still sin (6:5).
• Judgment is real, but so is a way of escape (6:18).
• Obedience may look odd to the world—yet it saves (6:22).
• One person’s faith can shelter many: Noah’s family, future generations, and ultimately the line leading to Jesus.
Connections to Additional Scriptures
Matthew 24:37-39Jesus compares the days of Noah to the coming of the Son of Man, emphasizing the need for vigilance and readiness.
Hebrews 11:7This verse commends Noah's faith, highlighting his obedience in building the ark as an act of righteousness.
1 Peter 3:20-21Peter draws a parallel between the salvation of Noah's family through water and the salvation offered through baptism.
Teaching Points
The Corruption of HumanityGenesis 6:5 states, Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time. This verse highlights the extent of human depravity and the pervasive nature of sin.
God's Grief and JudgmentIn
Genesis 6:6-7, we read, And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him in His heart. So the LORD said, 'I will blot out man, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—every man and beast and crawling creature and bird of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.' This passage underscores God's sorrow over sin and His righteous judgment.
Noah's RighteousnessGenesis 6:8-9 introduces Noah, stating, But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. Noah's life exemplifies faithfulness and obedience amidst a corrupt world.
God's Covenant with NoahIn
Genesis 6:18, God establishes a covenant with Noah, saying, 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. This covenant signifies God's promise of salvation and His faithfulness to those who walk with Him.
Practical Applications
Reflect on Personal RighteousnessJust as Noah was found righteous in his generation, we are called to live blamelessly and walk with God in our own time.
Understand the Seriousness of SinRecognize the gravity of sin and its consequences, both in our personal lives and in the world around us.
Trust in God's PromisesLike Noah, we can trust in God's promises and His plan for salvation, even when the world seems overwhelmingly corrupt.
Be a Beacon of HopeIn a world that often mirrors the wickedness of Noah's time, strive to be a light and a source of hope, pointing others to God's grace and mercy.
People
1.
NoahNoah is the central human figure in
Genesis 6. He is described as a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God (
Genesis 6:9). The Hebrew name "Noah" (נֹחַ, Noach) is related to the root meaning "rest" or "comfort."
2.
The Sons of GodThese are mentioned in
Genesis 6:2 as beings who saw that the daughters of men were beautiful and took them as wives. The identity of the "sons of God" (בְּנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים, benei ha'elohim) is debated, with interpretations ranging from fallen angels to descendants of Seth.
3.
The Daughters of MenThese are the human women mentioned in
Genesis 6:2, whom the sons of God found attractive. The term "daughters of men" (בְּנוֹת הָאָדָם, benot ha'adam) refers to female descendants of humanity.
4.
NephilimMentioned in
Genesis 6:4, the Nephilim are described as "the mighty men who were of old, men of renown." The Hebrew term "Nephilim" (נְפִילִים) is often translated as "giants," though its exact meaning is uncertain.
5.
GodWhile not a human person, God is a central figure in
Genesis 6, expressing regret over human wickedness and deciding to bring a flood to cleanse the earth (
Genesis 6:6-7). The Hebrew name used for God here is "Yahweh" (יְהוָה), often rendered as "the LORD" in English translations.
Places
1.
EarthThe term "earth" (Hebrew: אֶרֶץ, ^erets^) is used throughout
Genesis 6 to describe the entire world that was filled with corruption and violence. The chapter begins with a description of the wickedness on the earth, leading to God's decision to bring about the flood.
2.
HeavenWhile not a physical place on earth, "heaven" (Hebrew: שָׁמַיִם, ^shamayim^) is mentioned in the context of the "sons of God" who came down to the daughters of men. This implies a heavenly realm from which these beings originated.
3.
ArkAlthough not a geographical location, the ark becomes a significant place of refuge. God instructs Noah to build the ark as a means of salvation from the impending flood. The ark itself becomes a central location in the narrative of
Genesis 6.
Events
1.
The Wickedness of MankindGenesis 6 begins by describing the increasing wickedness of humanity. The text states, "When men began to multiply on the face of the earth and daughters were born to them" (
Genesis 6:1). The Hebrew word for "multiply" is "רָבָה" (ravah), indicating a significant increase in population.
2.
The Sons of God and the Daughters of MenThe "sons of God" saw that the "daughters of men" were beautiful and took them as wives (
Genesis 6:2). The term "sons of God" (בְּנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים, benei ha'elohim) has been interpreted in various ways, often understood as referring to divine beings or descendants of Seth.
3.
God's Displeasure and Limitation of Human LifespanThe LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years" (
Genesis 6:3). The Hebrew word for "contend" is "דִּין" (din), suggesting a legal or judicial connotation.
4.
The Nephilim on the EarthThe Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them (
Genesis 6:4). The term "Nephilim" (נְפִילִים) is often translated as "giants" or "fallen ones."
5.
The LORD's Grief Over Human WickednessThe LORD observed the great wickedness of man and that "every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (
Genesis 6:5). The Hebrew word for "inclination" is "יֵצֶר" (yetzer), indicating a form or purpose.
6.
God's Decision to Destroy MankindThe LORD regretted making man on the earth and was grieved in His heart, deciding to "wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth" (
Genesis 6:6-7). The Hebrew word for "regretted" is "נָחַם" (nacham), which can mean to be sorry or to console oneself.
7.
Noah Finds Favor with GodDespite the widespread corruption, "Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD" (
Genesis 6:8). The Hebrew word for "favor" is "חֵן" (chen), often translated as grace or favor.
Lessons from Genesis 6
1. The Reality of Human Wickedness
Genesis 6:5 tells us, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time." This verse reminds us of the pervasive nature of sin and the importance of recognizing our need for redemption. It's a call to examine our own hearts and align our thoughts and actions with God's will.
2. God's Grief Over Sin
InGenesis 6:6, we read, "And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him in His heart." This powerful statement shows us that our actions have a profound impact on God. It encourages us to live in a way that brings joy to our Creator, rather than grief, by following His commandments and seeking His guidance.
3. The Call to Righteousness
Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord because he was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time (Genesis 6:8-9). This teaches us that even in a world filled with corruption, it is possible to live a life that pleases God. By walking faithfully with Him, we can stand out as beacons of hope and righteousness.
4. The Importance of Obedience
God gave Noah specific instructions to build an ark, and Noah did everything just as God commanded him (Genesis 6:22). This highlights the importance of obedience to God's word. When we follow His instructions, we not only protect ourselves but also become instruments of His purpose.
5. Divine Patience and Justice
Genesis 6:3 states, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years." This verse reflects God's patience, giving humanity time to repent. However, it also underscores His justice, as there is a limit to His forbearance. We are reminded to make the most of the time we have to turn to Him.
6. The Power of Faith
Noah's faith in God's promise to save him and his family through the ark is a testament to the power of faith.Hebrews 11:7 echoes this, saying, "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family." Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, enabling us to trust in His promises even when we cannot see the outcome.
7. The Consequences of Disobedience
The flood was a direct result of humanity's disobedience and corruption.Genesis 6:13 reveals God's decision: "I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them." This serves as a sobering reminder that our choices have consequences, and turning away from God leads to destruction.
8. God's Provision for Salvation
In the midst of judgment, God provided a way of salvation through the ark. This foreshadows the ultimate salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Noah and his family were saved by entering the ark, we are saved by entering into a relationship with Christ, who is our refuge and strength.
9. The Role of Family in Faith
Noah's family was saved because of his faithfulness.Genesis 6:18 says, "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." This emphasizes the impact our faith can have on our loved ones, encouraging us to lead by example and nurture a godly legacy.
10. The Promise of Renewal
After the flood, God promised never to destroy the earth with water again, symbolized by the rainbow. This promise of renewal and hope is a reminder that God is always working towards restoration. As we face challenges, we can trust in His faithfulness to bring about new beginnings and eternal life through Christ.
Topics
1.
The Corruption of MankindGenesis 6 begins by describing the increasing wickedness of humanity. The "sons of God" saw that the "daughters of men" were beautiful and took them as wives. This passage has been interpreted in various ways, with some seeing "sons of God" as fallen angels and others as descendants of Seth. The Hebrew term "בְּנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים" (bene ha'elohim) is often debated in theological circles.
2.
God's Grief and DecisionIn
Genesis 6:5-7, God observes the great wickedness of man and regrets creating humanity. The Hebrew word "נָחַם" (nacham) is used, which can mean to be sorry or to repent, indicating God's sorrow over human sinfulness. God decides to wipe out mankind, along with animals, due to the pervasive evil.
3.
Noah Finds FavorGenesis 6:8 introduces Noah, who "found favor in the eyes of the LORD." The Hebrew word for favor, "חֵן" (chen), implies grace or acceptance. Noah is described as a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries, and he walked with God, setting him apart from the rest of humanity.
4.
The Ark's ConstructionGod instructs Noah to build an ark in
Genesis 6:14-16. The dimensions and materials are specified, with the ark being made of "gopher wood" and sealed with pitch. The Hebrew term "תֵּבָה" (tebah) is used for the ark, which is also used for the basket of baby Moses, symbolizing salvation and deliverance.
5.
The Covenant with NoahIn
Genesis 6:18, God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising to save him and his family from the impending flood. The Hebrew word "בְּרִית" (berit) signifies a solemn agreement or promise, highlighting God's commitment to Noah and the future of humanity.
6.
Gathering of AnimalsGod commands Noah to bring two of every kind of living creature into the ark, as stated in
Genesis 6:19-20. This ensures the preservation of animal life post-flood. The emphasis on "kinds" reflects the Hebrew word "מִין" (min), indicating categories or species.
7.
Noah's ObedienceThe chapter concludes with Noah's obedience to God's commands.
Genesis 6:22 states, "So Noah did everything precisely as God had commanded him." This obedience is a key theme, demonstrating Noah's faith and trust in God's plan.
Themes
1.
Human Wickedness and CorruptionGenesis 6 begins by describing the increasing wickedness of humanity. The text states, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time" (
Genesis 6:5). The Hebrew word for "wickedness" (רָעָה, ra'ah) emphasizes the moral corruption and evil that had permeated human society.
2.
Divine Regret and GriefThe passage expresses God's sorrow over the state of humanity: "And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart" (
Genesis 6:6). The Hebrew word for "regretted" (נָחַם, nacham) can also mean to be sorry or to console oneself, indicating a deep emotional response from God.
3.
Judgment and the Decision to DestroyGod decides to bring judgment upon the earth due to its corruption: "So the LORD said, 'I will blot out man, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—every man and beast and crawling creature and bird of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them'" (
Genesis 6:7). The Hebrew verb "blot out" (מָחָה, machah) conveys the idea of wiping clean or erasing.
4.
Noah's Favor with GodAmidst the widespread corruption, Noah finds favor with God: "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD" (
Genesis 6:8). The Hebrew word for "favor" (חֵן, chen) implies grace or acceptance, highlighting Noah's unique standing before God.
5.
Righteousness and Obedience of NoahNoah is described as a righteous man: "Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God" (
Genesis 6:9). The Hebrew word for "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tzaddik) denotes someone who is just and morally upright, while "walked" (הָלַךְ, halak) suggests a continuous, faithful relationship with God.
6.
Divine Instruction and CovenantGod provides Noah with specific instructions to build an ark: "Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out" (
Genesis 6:14). This theme of divine instruction is crucial as it sets the stage for the covenant God will establish with Noah, emphasizing obedience and divine-human partnership.
7.
Preservation of LifeThe narrative includes God's plan to preserve life through Noah: "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 Hebrew word for "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit) signifies a solemn agreement, underscoring God's commitment to preserving a remnant of creation.
8.
Universal Corruption and ViolenceThe text reiterates the extent of corruption: "Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence" (
Genesis 6:11). The Hebrew word for "corrupt" (שָׁחַת, shachat) indicates moral decay, while "violence" (חָמָס, chamas) refers to injustice and lawlessness, painting a picture of a world in chaos.
9.
Divine Sovereignty and JusticeThroughout
Genesis 6, God's sovereignty and justice are evident as He responds to human sinfulness with both judgment and mercy. The narrative highlights God's authority over creation and His righteous judgment, balanced by His provision for salvation through Noah.
Prayer Points
Pray for Personal RighteousnessAsk God to help you live a life that is pleasing to Him, following the example of Noah.
Seek Forgiveness and Repentance
Confess any areas of sin in your life and seek God's forgiveness and strength to overcome them.
Intercede for the World
Pray for the world to turn from wickedness and seek God's mercy and grace.
Thank God for His Faithfulness
Praise God for His unwavering faithfulness and the promises He has made to His people.
Answering Tough Questions
1.
In Genesis 6:2, who were the “sons of God,” and how could they produce offspring with human women?2.In Genesis 6:3, why limit humanity’s lifespan to 120 years if people later lived longer, as mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?
3.In Genesis 6:4, what does the presence of the Nephilim imply about historical or scientific plausibility?
4.In Genesis 6:6, how could an all-knowing God “regret” creating humanity?
5.In Genesis 6:14–16, how was such a massive ark built under ancient conditions without modern technology?
Bible Study Discussion Questions
1. What does the interaction between the 'sons of God' and 'daughters of men' signify?
2. How does God's regret over creating mankind reflect His character?
3. What characteristics made Noah stand out favorably in God's eyes?
4. How do you interpret the presence of the Nephilim in this chapter?
5. In what ways does God's decision to limit man's lifespan impact your understanding of human life?
6. What does the corruption and violence in the world at this time teach us about humanity's capacity for evil?
7. How would you respond if you were in Noah's position, given the task to build an ark?
8. How does God's instruction to Noah demonstrate His commitment to preserving life?
9. How can Noah's obedience to God's commands inspire us in our daily lives?
10. What does God's covenant with Noah tell us about His relationship with humanity?
11. How do you interpret God's mixed feelings of grief and mercy in this chapter?
12. How does the command to preserve all forms of life reflect on the sanctity of life?
13. How can we apply the lessons of this chapter to the environmental issues we face today?
14. What does Noah's role as the custodian of life teach us about our responsibilities toward other creatures?
15. What actions can we take today that mirror Noah's obedience and faith in God?
16. In what ways does the story of Noah challenge our understanding of justice and mercy?
17. How does this chapter challenge us to stand out as righteous in a world filled with wickedness?
18. How does the concept of covenant in this chapter shape your understanding of God's promises?
19. How do you understand God's grieved heart at man's wickedness?
20. How does this chapter inspire you to act in the face of impending crisis or disaster?
Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions
