How does Genesis 6:11 describe the state of the earth before the flood? The Verse at a Glance “Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence.” (Genesis 6:11) Key Terms Unpacked • Corrupt: a comprehensive breakdown of moral and spiritual integrity—everything God pronounced “very good” in Genesis 1 is now spoiled. • In the sight of God: the Almighty Himself judges the condition; this is not human opinion but divine assessment. • Full of violence: brutality, oppression, and bloodshed saturate society; wrongdoing isn’t occasional—it’s pervasive. What “Corrupt” Looked Like • Idolatry replacing worship of the Creator • Rampant sexual immorality twisting God’s design for marriage • Dishonesty infecting commerce and relationships • Widespread disregard for human life Violence on Every Side • Physical aggression—murder, assault, warfare • Social oppression—strong exploiting weak, rich crushing poor • Verbal and emotional cruelty—threats, slander, intimidation • Systemic cycles—families, cities, and cultures perpetuating brutality God’s Perspective Shapes Ours • He sees and measures all actions against His own holiness. • Moral rot and unchecked violence demand righteous judgment. • The coming flood is not arbitrary; it is the just response to a world fully committed to evil. Enduring Relevance Genesis 6:11 isn’t ancient trivia—it is a sober reminder that when humanity rejects God’s ways, corruption and violence inevitably spread. The verse calls every generation to embrace His standards and trust His assessment over popular consensus. |
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