Genesis 6
Berean Standard Bible Par ▾ 

Corruption on the Earth
(Matthew 24:36–51)

1Now when men began to multiply on the face of the earth and daughters were born to them, 2the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose.

3So the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever,a for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years.”

4The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and afterward as well—when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of men. And they bore them children who became the mighty men of old, men of renown.

5Then 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. 6And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7So 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.”

Noah’s Favor with God

8Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

9This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. 10And Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

11Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence. 12And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creaturesb on the earth had corrupted their ways.

Preparing the Ark
(Hebrews 11:7)

13Then God said to Noah, “The end of all living creatures has come before Me, because through them the earth is full of violence. Now behold, I will destroy both them and the earth.

14Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood;c make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15And this is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high.d 16You are to make a roofe for the ark, finish its walls a cubit from the top,f place a door in the side of the ark, and build lower, middle, and upper decks.

17And behold, I will bring floodwaters upon the earth to destroy every creature under the heavens that has the breath of life. Everything on the earth will perish. 18But 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.

19And you are to bring two of every living creature into the ark—male and female—to keep them alive with you. 20Two of every kind of bird and animal and crawling creature will come to you to be kept alive. 21You are also to take for yourself every kind of food that is eaten and gather it as food for yourselves and for the animals.”

22So Noah did everything precisely as God had commanded him.

Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible.

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Genesis 6 Summary
Corruption on the Earth

Verses 1–4 – The Sons of God and the Daughters of Men
Humanity multiplies, and “the sons of God” take wives from “the daughters of men.” Their unions produce the Nephilim—renowned warriors whose presence hints at growing violence. God restricts human life span to 120 years as moral decay accelerates.

Verses 5–8 – Humanity’s Wickedness and God’s Grief
“The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth” (6:5). Every heart-thought is evil, grieving God. Yet Noah finds favor, showing divine mercy even in judgment.

Verses 9–12 – Noah Walks with God in a Corrupt World
Noah is “righteous…blameless…walked with God” (6:9). Humanity and the earth are filled with violence and corruption, but one man shines as an exception.

Verses 13–22 – The Ark Blueprint and Covenant Preview
God announces a coming worldwide flood. He gives precise ark dimensions, promises to establish His covenant with Noah, and Noah obeys “precisely as God had commanded” (6:22).


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.

Historical and Cultural Setting

• 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.

• Ancient Mesopotamian flood accounts (Gilgamesh Epic, Atrahasis) echo Genesis 6-9, suggesting a shared memory of a cataclysmic deluge. Scripture presents the original account, free from mythic embellishment.

Who Are the “Sons of God”?

1. Heavenly beings (see Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7). Peter and Jude link disobedient angels to Noah’s day (2 Peter 2:4-5; Jude 6).

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.

The Nephilim and Ancient Giants

“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.

God’s 120-Year Countdown

“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 (compare 1 Peter 3:20).

Divine Grief and Mercy

“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.

Noah’s Character and Faith

• Righteous: doing what is right.

• Blameless: free of scandal.

• Walked with God: lived in close, daily fellowship (compare Enoch, 5:22-24). Hebrews 11:7 celebrates Noah’s faith that led him to build the ark “in holy fear.”

Construction of the Ark

• 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.

Ancient Flood Memories Around the World

• 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.

Covenant Preview

“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.

Foreshadowing of Salvation in Christ

• 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).

• One door (6:16) = one way to safety; Jesus says, “I am the door” (John 10:9).

• Noah’s family enters by faith; believers enter eternal life by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Later Scripture Connections

• Days of Noah = pattern for Christ’s return (Matthew 24:37-39).

• God’s promise never again to flood the whole earth (Isaiah 54:9).

• Peter uses Noah to preach patience and second chances (1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5).

Practical Takeaways

• 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 24:37-39
Jesus compares the days of Noah to the coming of the Son of Man, emphasizing the need for vigilance and readiness.

Hebrews 11:7
This verse commends Noah's faith, highlighting his obedience in building the ark as an act of righteousness.

1 Peter 3:20-21
Peter draws a parallel between the salvation of Noah's family through water and the salvation offered through baptism.
Teaching Points
The Corruption of Humanity
Genesis 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 Judgment
In 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 Righteousness
Genesis 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 Noah
In 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 Righteousness
Just 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 Sin
Recognize the gravity of sin and its consequences, both in our personal lives and in the world around us.

Trust in God's Promises
Like Noah, we can trust in God's promises and His plan for salvation, even when the world seems overwhelmingly corrupt.

Be a Beacon of Hope
In 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. Noah
Noah 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 God
These 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 Men
These 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. Nephilim
Mentioned 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. God
While 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. Earth
The 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. Heaven
While 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. Ark
Although 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 Mankind
Genesis 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 Men
The "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 Lifespan
The 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 Earth
The 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 Wickedness
The 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 Mankind
The 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 God
Despite 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.
Topics
1. The Corruption of Mankind
Genesis 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 Decision
In 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 Favor
Genesis 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 Construction
God 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 Noah
In 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 Animals
God 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 Obedience
The 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 Corruption
Genesis 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 Grief
The 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 Destroy
God 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 God
Amidst 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 Noah
Noah 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 Covenant
God 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 Life
The 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 Violence
The 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 Justice
Throughout 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.
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?



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