As humanity's wickedness increased, God regretted creating them and decided to destroy all life on earth, but found favor in righteous Noah, instructing him to build an ark to preserve his family and pairs of all living creatures from the impending flood.

‣

Background from a Christian

Genesis 6 is an important passage in the Christian Bible, as it introduces the story of Noah and the great flood. In this chapter, the increasing wickedness of humanity causes God to regret creating human beings, prompting the decision to wipe out all living creatures, except for Noah and his family, who are considered righteous. The story is seen as a pivotal point in human history, demonstrating God's judgment upon the wicked and His mercy towards those who remain faithful. Genesis 6 also contains references to the mysterious "Nephilim," which has been a subject of much debate and speculation among scholars and theologians. Christian interpretations of Genesis 6 often emphasize the importance of obedience to God, as well as the consequences of sin and the need for redemption.

‣

Background from a Critical Scholar

Genesis 6 is an intriguing text, as it is a composite of multiple sources and ancient Near Eastern traditions. Scholars generally attribute the chapter to two main sources: the Priestly (P) and the Yahwist (J). These sources are woven together to form the narrative, and this blending is evident in the chapter's varying perspectives and styles.

The story of the great flood has parallels in several ancient Near Eastern texts, most notably the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Atrahasis Epic. This has led some critical scholars to suggest that the biblical account was influenced by or borrowed from these earlier traditions. Additionally, the enigmatic "Nephilim" in verse 4 has generated much debate among scholars, with various theories about their identity ranging from offspring of divine beings and humans, to a class of legendary heroes.

Critical scholars often examine Genesis 6 within the broader context of ancient Near Eastern mythology and literature, as well as its place in the overall structure of the Pentateuch. They seek to understand the chapter's original purpose and meaning, as well as its evolution over time and the various theological and literary agendas that shaped its final form.

Scroll to see various Christian perspectives on Genesis 6.

1 When humanity began to multiply on the face of the earth and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of the gods noticed that the daughters of humankind were appealing and they took for themselves wives from any they desired. 3 Then the Lord said, "My spirit will not contend with humans indefinitely, for they are mortal; their days shall be a hundred and twenty years."

4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of the gods cohabited with the daughters of humans, who bore them children. They were the mighty ones of old, renowned heroes.

5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was abundant on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. 6 The Lord regretted having made human beings on the earth, and it grieved him in his heart. 7 So the Lord said, "I will annihilate the human beings I have created from the face of the earth—humankind, alongside the animals, creeping things, and the birds of the heavens—for I regret having 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 in his generation; Noah walked with God. 10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

11 The earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 God observed the earth and saw how corrupt it had become, for all flesh had corrupted its ways upon the earth. 13 So God said to Noah, "The end of all flesh has come before me, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. Now, I will destroy them along with the earth.

14 Construct an ark of gopher wood, with compartments you shall make the ark, and seal it from within and without with pitch. 15 This is how you shall make it: the ark's length shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16 You shall make an opening for daylight in the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit above. You shall set the entrance of the ark in its side, with lower, second, and third decks you shall make it.

17 I am about to bring the floodwaters upon the earth to destroy every creature under the heavens that has the breath of life; everything on earth shall perish. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall enter the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you. 19 And of every living thing, of all flesh, you shall bring two of every kind into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. 20 From the birds according to their kind, from the livestock according to their kind, and from every creeping thing on the ground according to its kind, two of every kind shall come to you to be kept alive.

21 Moreover, you shall take for yourself from all food that is edible, and gather it to yourself; it shall be food for you and for them." 22 Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.

Interpretations

See how various Christian traditions may approach this text.

‣

A Catholic Christian Interpretation

‣

Chapter

For Catholic Christians, Genesis 6 is a mixture of historical and theological elements, teaching about human sinfulness, divine judgment, and mercy. The account of the flood illustrates God's concern for preserving the moral order and the consequences of humanity's disobedience. Additionally, the narrative highlights Noah's righteousness and faithfulness, serving as a model for believers. The concept of covenant introduced in this chapter foreshadows the later covenants with Abraham and Moses and, ultimately, the New Covenant in Jesus Christ.

‣

Verse by Verse

Check back soon…

There are approximately 1.3 billion Catholic Christians globally.

‣

A Pentecostal Christian Interpretation

‣

Chapter

Pentecostal Christians see Genesis 6 as a historical account with theological implications, emphasizing God's sovereignty and humanity's dependence on divine grace. The story of Noah and the flood demonstrates that God actively intervenes in human affairs to judge sin and restore righteousness. This narrative also highlights the importance of obedience to God's will, as demonstrated by Noah's faith and actions. Moreover, the flood story showcases God's redemptive plan, which would later be fulfilled through Jesus Christ.

‣

Verse by Verse

Check back soon…

There are approximately 280 million Pentecostal Christians globally.

‣

An Eastern Orthodox Christian Interpretation

‣

Chapter

Eastern Orthodox Christians interpret Genesis 6 as a mix of historical and theological elements, conveying the depths of human sin and the necessity of divine intervention. The story emphasizes the need for personal and communal repentance, as well as the transformative power of God's grace. Noah serves as an example of a righteous person who walks with God, despite the surrounding evil. The narrative also underscores the importance of God's covenants, which foreshadow the Incarnation and the ultimate salvation of humanity.

‣

Verse by Verse

Check back soon…

There are approximately 260 million Eastern Orthodox Christians globally.

‣

An Anglican Christian Interpretation

‣

Chapter

Anglican Christians view Genesis 6 as a blend of historical and theological elements, revealing God's response to human sin and the importance of faithfulness. The flood narrative illustrates the consequences of humanity's disobedience and the need for repentance. The story of Noah exemplifies the virtues of righteousness, obedience, and trust in God. Furthermore, the chapter introduces the concept of covenant, which plays a significant role in the biblical narrative and culminates in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ.

‣

Verse by Verse

Check back soon…

There are approximately 110 million Anglican Christians globally.

‣

A Baptist Christian Interpretation

‣

Chapter

Baptist Christians interpret Genesis 6 as primarily historical, offering important lessons about human sinfulness, divine judgment, and redemption. The flood story demonstrates the severity of God's judgment on sin, while also revealing His mercy and grace through Noah's obedience and faith. The narrative provides a model of godly living in a sinful world and emphasizes the importance of individual and corporate repentance. Moreover, the covenant with Noah foreshadows the subsequent covenants in Scripture and the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ.

‣

Verse by Verse

Check back soon…

There are approximately 100 million Baptist Christians globally.

‣

A Nondenominational Christian Interpretation

‣

Chapter

Nondenominational Christians consider Genesis 6 to be a mix of historical and theological aspects, teaching about human depravity, divine judgment, and the necessity of faith. The account of the flood reveals God's intolerance of sin and His willingness to judge the world. The narrative also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as demonstrated by Noah. The theme of covenant is introduced, pointing to God's ongoing relationship with humanity and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ.

‣

Verse by Verse

Check back soon…

There are approximately 80-100 million Nondenominational Christians globally.

‣

A Lutheran Christian Interpretation

‣

Chapter

Lutheran Christians interpret Genesis 6 as a historical account with theological implications, underscoring the destructive consequences of sin and the need for divine grace. The flood narrative highlights God's judgment and mercy in response to human wickedness. Noah's faith and obedience serve as an example for believers, demonstrating trust in God's promises. Furthermore, the covenant with Noah prefigures the later covenants in the Bible and the ultimate manifestation of God's grace through Jesus Christ.

‣

Verse by Verse

Check back soon…

There are approximately 70-90 million Lutheran Christians globally.

‣

A Methodist Christian Interpretation

‣

Chapter

Methodist Christians view Genesis 6 as a blend of history and theology, teaching about human sin, divine judgment, and the redemptive power of God's grace. The flood story illustrates the consequences of humanity's rebellion and the importance of repentance. Noah's example of righteousness and obedience highlights the significance of a faithful relationship with God. Additionally, the narrative introduces the concept of covenant, which plays a crucial role throughout Scripture and culminates in the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ, emphasizing God's continuous work to redeem and restore humanity.

‣

Verse by Verse

Check back soon…

There are approximately 60-80 million Methodist Christians globally.

‣

A Reformed Christian Interpretation

‣

Chapter

Reformed Christians interpret Genesis 6 as both historical and theological, focusing on the themes of sin, judgment, and grace. The flood narrative demonstrates God's sovereignty in dealing with human wickedness and His mercy in preserving a remnant through Noah. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. Furthermore, the covenant with Noah foreshadows the covenants with Abraham, Moses, and David, ultimately pointing to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant.

‣

Verse by Verse

Check back soon…

There are approximately 60-80 million Reformed Christians globally.

‣

A Critical Scholar Interpretation

‣

Chapter

This chapter, which introduces the story of Noah and the impending flood, combines historical, mythic, and theological elements. It draws on common ancient Near Eastern flood narratives, such as the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh, adapting and reinterpreting them within the context of the Israelite monotheistic tradition. The text explores themes of divine judgment, human corruption, and the consequences of sin.

‣

Verse by Verse

Check back soon…

AIV

The AIV (Artificial Intelligence Version) is a new translation at times derived directly from the original languages and at times derived from previous English renderings. The goal of the translation is to more closely connect ancient and modern readers. It aims to use the most up-to-date scholarship regarding biblical translation, and to avoid losing technicalities for the sake of simplicity.

Read other translations here.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter