Genesis 6

In Genesis 6, humanity's wickedness grows to a point that grieves the heart of God, leading Him to decide to bring judgment on the earth through a great flood. Despite this, Noah finds grace in God's sight and becomes the key figure through whom God will preserve life. This chapter marks a turning point in human history, where God responds to sin with both judgment and mercy, establishing Noah's righteousness in contrast to the world’s corruption.

Genesis 6:1 (NKJV):
1 Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them,

Humanity, after the expulsion from Eden, continued to grow and spread across the earth. As they multiplied, they began to establish their own societies and families. This increase in population sets the stage for the deeper corruption that will be described in the coming verses, highlighting how humanity's moral and spiritual decline paralleled their physical growth.

Genesis 6:2 (NKJV):
2 that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.

The "sons of God" here refers to the descendants of Seth, who were supposed to be faithful to God, while the "daughters of men" are the descendants of Cain. These intermarriages between the godly and the ungodly led to moral compromise. Instead of seeking God's will in marriage, they chose based on physical appearance alone, reflecting a shift away from spiritual values.

Genesis 6:3 (NKJV):
3 And the Lord said, 'My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.'

God, seeing the moral decay in humanity, declares a limit to His patience. The statement about His Spirit not striving with man reflects the impending judgment and the shortening of humanity’s time before the flood. The 120 years is often understood as the remaining time before the judgment of the flood, giving humanity an extended but finite window of time to repent.

Genesis 6:4 (NKJV):
4 There were giants (Nephilim) on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

This verse introduces the Nephilim as the offspring of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men," leading to various interpretations about their nature and origins. In this context, the "sons of God" are viewed as the godly descendants of Seth, who upheld divine teachings and moral values, while the "daughters of men" are considered the descendants of Cain, known for their secular and morally questionable behaviors. Contrary to popular interpretations of the Nephilim as literal giants or as beings produced from celestial beings mating with humans, a more nuanced reading suggests they were significant societal figures due to their unique heritage and resulting traits.

The term "Nephilim," derived from the Hebrew word "naphal," meaning "to fall," symbolically refers to their status as "fallen ones," indicating a moral and spiritual decline rather than physical gigantism. They are described as "mighty men who were of old, men of renown," highlighting their substantial influence and dominance in society, not because of supernatural size but due to their socio-political power. These individuals, with their dual heritage, would have possessed the intellectual and moral insights from their godly lineage alongside the ambition and ruthlessness possibly inherited from Cain’s line. This unique combination of attributes made them capable of both wisdom and manipulation, allowing them to exert control over both spiritual and secular realms.

Their ability to navigate and dominate these aspects of society often led to exploitative or oppressive leadership, where they were both feared and respected. Such formidable influence made them 'giants' in terms of social influence and power, even if not in physical stature. This interpretation underscores the complexities of their impact, blending divine legacies with human ambition and highlighting the moral challenges and corruption that can arise when power is wielded without ethical constraints. This narrative not only demystifies the mythic proportions of the Nephilim but also serves as a reflection on the potential for degradation when the sacred is merged with the profane.

Genesis 6:5 (NKJV):
5 Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

God observed that humanity's wickedness had reached a peak. The passage emphasizes the total depravity of man—where even the thoughts and desires of people were entirely evil. The human heart, in its fallen state, had become completely corrupted, with no room for goodness. This overwhelming sinfulness was what led God to decide that judgment was necessary.

Genesis 6:6-7 (NKJV):
6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
7 So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.”

God’s sorrow is not an indication of a mistake but reflects His deep grief over humanity’s moral failure. The corruption of creation had pained God to such an extent that He determined to destroy both mankind and the creatures of the earth, as all were affected by human sin. This decision highlights the seriousness of sin and its consequences for the entire creation.

Genesis 6:8 (NKJV):
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Despite the pervasive sin in the world, Noah stood out as righteous and faithful. God’s grace was extended to him, not because of his merit but due to God's sovereign choice. Noah’s life is a testament to the possibility of living faithfully even in a corrupt world, and it sets the stage for the covenant God would make with him.

Genesis 6:9 (NKJV):
9 This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

Noah's righteousness is emphasized in contrast to the wickedness of his generation. To be "just" and "perfect" here means he was morally upright and faithful in his relationship with God. "Walking with God" suggests a life lived in harmony with God’s will, much like Enoch before him, marking him as distinct from the surrounding corruption.

Genesis 6:10 (NKJV):
10 And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Noah’s family is introduced here, showing that through these three sons, the human race would continue after the flood. The mention of his sons also emphasizes Noah's role as the father of a new humanity, one that would emerge after God's judgment had passed.

Genesis 6:11-12 (NKJV):
11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
12 So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

The corruption of humanity had spread to all of creation. Violence had become rampant, demonstrating the full extent of sin’s power. God’s observation of this total corruption emphasizes that the problem was not isolated to a few but was a universal condition. The breakdown of morality had reached a critical point, making divine intervention unavoidable.

Genesis 6:13 (NKJV):
13 And God said to Noah, 'The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.'

God reveals His plan to Noah, explaining the reason for the coming judgment. The violence and corruption of humanity had reached a level where it was no longer sustainable. God’s decision to destroy all flesh reflects His righteousness and the need to reset creation in response to such widespread evil.

Genesis 6:14 (NKJV):
14 Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch.

God commands Noah to build an ark, specifying the materials and design. The ark would be a means of salvation for Noah, his family, and the creatures God would preserve. The detailed instructions show that God was providing a clear way of escape, even as He prepared to judge the earth.

Genesis 6:15-16 (NKJV):
15 And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16 You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks.

The ark’s dimensions are given in cubits, outlining a large vessel designed to hold a significant number of passengers and animals. The window and door would provide light and access, while the three decks allowed for the separation of animals and supplies. The ark was both functional and divinely ordained, capable of surviving the coming flood.

Genesis 6:17 (NKJV):
17 And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die.

God warns Noah of the flood, making it clear that this was not a natural disaster but an act of divine judgment. The flood would wipe out all living creatures, except for those God would preserve. The totality of the destruction underscores the seriousness of sin and the magnitude of God’s response.

Genesis 6:18 (NKJV):
18 But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you.

God promises to make a covenant with Noah, a bond of divine protection and provision. Noah and his family would be spared from the coming judgment because of their faithfulness and God's grace. This covenant marks the beginning of a new chapter in God’s relationship with humanity, based on mercy and the preservation of life.

Genesis 6:19-20 (NKJV):
19 And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female.
20 Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive.

God instructs Noah to bring pairs of animals into the ark to preserve the various species. The animals would come to Noah, further demonstrating God’s control over creation. This act of preservation shows that God’s judgment, though severe, is not without mercy. He intends to restore life after the flood.

Genesis 6:21 (NKJV):
21 And you shall take for yourself of all food that is eaten, and you shall gather it to yourself; and it shall be food for you and for them.

Noah is also instructed to gather food for his family and the animals during their time in the ark. This practical preparation reflects God’s care in ensuring that they would have all they needed to survive the flood. The provision of food further emphasizes God’s foresight and His desire to sustain life even in the midst of judgment.

Genesis 6:22 (NKJV):
22 Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.

Noah’s obedience is highlighted here as he follows God’s instructions completely. His faithfulness in carrying out these commands shows his deep trust in God, despite the seemingly impossible nature of the task ahead. This verse serves as a model of unwavering obedience to God's word, even when it requires great effort and faith.