Genesis 6
BSB1 Now when men began to multiply on the face of the earth and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose. 3 So the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years." 4 The 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. 5 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. 6 And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 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." 8 Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the LORD. 9 This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence. 12 And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways. 13 Then 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. 14 Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15 And this is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. 16 You are to make a roof for the ark, finish its walls a cubit from the top, place a door in the side of the ark, and build lower, middle, and upper decks. 17 And 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. 18 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. 19 And you are to bring two of every living creature into the ark—male and female—to keep them alive with you. 20 Two of every kind of bird and animal and crawling creature will come to you to be kept alive. 21 You are also to take for yourself every kind of food that is eaten and gather it as food for yourselves and for the animals." 22 So Noah did everything precisely as God had commanded him.
Study Notes — Genesis 6
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Genesis 6
- Themes from Genesis 6
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Genesis 6
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Genesis 6 describes the corruption of humanity, with the sons of God marrying the daughters of men and producing giants, leading to violence and corruption on the earth. God sees the wickedness of humanity and decides to send a flood to destroy the earth, saving only Noah and his family, who are righteous and blameless. The chapter highlights the depravity of humanity and the righteous judgment of God, while also introducing the theme of salvation and redemption through Noah and his family. Key verses include Genesis 6:5, which describes the wickedness of humanity, and Genesis 6:8, which introduces Noah as a righteous and blameless man.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the early history of the world, following the creation and the fall. It sets the stage for the flood and the salvation of Noah and his family, and introduces the theme of salvation and redemption that runs throughout the Bible. The chapter is also part of the larger narrative of the book of Genesis, which describes the creation, the fall, and the early history of the world. The book of Genesis is the first book of the Bible and provides the foundation for the rest of the biblical narrative.
Heart Application
This chapter highlights the importance of living a righteous and blameless life, and the consequences of sin and corruption. It also introduces the theme of salvation and redemption, highlighting the need for faith in God and the importance of trusting in His promises. As believers, we can apply this chapter by living a life of obedience to God, trusting in His promises, and looking forward to the salvation that is available through Christ.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter describes the corruption of humanity and the judgment of God, highlighting the need for salvation and redemption. The chapter introduces Noah as a righteous and blameless man, who finds favor in the eyes of God and is saved from the flood. As seen in Genesis 6:8, Noah was a righteous and blameless man, and this righteousness is a reflection of the righteousness of Christ. The chapter sets the stage for the salvation of Noah and his family, and introduces the theme of salvation and redemption that runs throughout the Bible.
Voices from the Church
“The corruption of humanity is a result of the fall, and the only remedy is the salvation that is available through faith in Christ.”
— John Calvin
“The righteousness of Noah is a foreshadowing of the perfect righteousness of Christ, and the salvation of Noah and his family is a type of the salvation that is available through Christ.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Corruption of Humanity (Genesis 6:1-5) — The chapter describes the corruption of humanity, with the sons of God marrying the daughters of men and producing giants, leading to violence and corruption on the earth.
- The Righteousness of Noah (Genesis 6:6-8) — The chapter introduces Noah as a righteous and blameless man, who finds favor in the eyes of God.
- The Judgment of God (Genesis 6:9-13) — The chapter describes the righteous judgment of God, with the flood destroying the earth and saving only Noah and his family.
- The Salvation of Noah and His Family (Genesis 6:14-22) — The chapter describes the salvation of Noah and his family, with God instructing Noah to build an ark and save two of every kind of animal.
- The Flood and the New Creation (Genesis 6:23-7:24) — The chapter describes the flood and the new creation, with God destroying the earth and creating a new world through the salvation of Noah and his family.
Core Doctrines
- Total Depravity
- The chapter highlights the depravity of humanity, with the sons of God marrying the daughters of men and producing giants, leading to violence and corruption on the earth. This depravity is a result of the fall and the sinful nature of humanity.
- Justification by Faith
- The chapter introduces Noah as a righteous and blameless man, who finds favor in the eyes of God. This righteousness is a result of faith in God and trust in His promises.
- Salvation by Grace
- The chapter describes the salvation of Noah and his family, with God instructing Noah to build an ark and save two of every kind of animal. This salvation is a result of the grace of God, and is available to all who trust in Him.
- Judgment and Hell
- The chapter describes the righteous judgment of God, with the flood destroying the earth and saving only Noah and his family. This judgment is a consequence of the sin and corruption of humanity, and highlights the importance of living a righteous and blameless life.
Lessons from Genesis 6
- The Importance of Living a Righteous and Blameless Life — The chapter highlights the importance of living a righteous and blameless life, and the consequences of sin and corruption.
- The Need for Faith in God — The chapter introduces Noah as a righteous and blameless man, who finds favor in the eyes of God through faith in Him.
- The Consequences of Sin and Corruption — The chapter describes the righteous judgment of God, with the flood destroying the earth and saving only Noah and his family.
- The Salvation That is Available Through Christ — The chapter describes the salvation of Noah and his family, with God instructing Noah to build an ark and save two of every kind of animal. This salvation is a type of the salvation that is available through Christ.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Promises — The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises, and the consequences of not trusting in Him.
Themes from Genesis 6
- The Corruption of Humanity — The chapter describes the corruption of humanity, with the sons of God marrying the daughters of men and producing giants, leading to violence and corruption on the earth.
- The Righteousness of Noah — The chapter introduces Noah as a righteous and blameless man, who finds favor in the eyes of God.
- The Judgment of God — The chapter describes the righteous judgment of God, with the flood destroying the earth and saving only Noah and his family.
- The Salvation of Noah and His Family — The chapter describes the salvation of Noah and his family, with God instructing Noah to build an ark and save two of every kind of animal.
- The New Creation — The chapter describes the new creation, with God destroying the earth and creating a new world through the salvation of Noah and his family.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the corruption of humanity, and how does it relate to the fall and the sinful nature of humanity?
- What is the righteousness of Noah, and how does it relate to the perfect righteousness of Christ?
- What is the judgment of God, and how does it relate to the sin and corruption of humanity?
- What is the salvation of Noah and his family, and how does it relate to the salvation that is available through Christ?
- How can believers apply the lessons of this chapter to their own lives, and what are the implications for living a righteous and blameless life?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Corruption of Humanity (Genesis 6:1-5)
| 6:1 | The chapter describes the corruption of humanity, with the sons of God marrying the daughters of men and producing giants, leading to violence and corruption on the earth. |
| 6:2 | The sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. |
| 6:3 | Then the Lord said, 'My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.' |
| 6:4 | The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown. |
| 6:5 | The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human heart had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. |
2. The Righteousness of Noah (Genesis 6:6-8)
| 6:6 | The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. |
| 6:7 | So the Lord said, 'I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.' |
| 6:8 | But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. |
3. The Judgment of God (Genesis 6:9-13)
| 6:9 | This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries; Noah walked faithfully with God. |
| 6:10 | Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. |
| 6:11 | Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. |
| 6:12 | God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. |
| 6:13 | So God said to Noah, 'I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.' |
4. The Salvation of Noah and His Family (Genesis 6:14-22)
| 6:14 | So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. |
| 6:15 | This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high. |
| 6:16 | Make a roof for it, leaving below the roof an opening one cubit high all around. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. |
| 6:17 | I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heaven, every creature that breathes. Everything on earth will perish. |
| 6:18 | 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. |
| 6:19 | You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. |
| 6:20 | Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. |
| 6:21 | You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away, as food for you and for them. |
| 6:22 | Noah did everything just as God commanded him. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the corruption of humanity in Genesis 6?
The corruption of humanity in Genesis 6 refers to the wickedness and depravity of humanity, with the sons of God marrying the daughters of men and producing giants, leading to violence and corruption on the earth. As seen in Genesis 6:5, the Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human heart had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.
Who is Noah and why is he important?
Noah is a righteous and blameless man who finds favor in the eyes of God. He is important because he is the one who is saved from the flood and becomes the new creation. As seen in Genesis 6:8, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
What is the judgment of God in Genesis 6?
The judgment of God in Genesis 6 refers to the flood that destroys the earth and saves only Noah and his family. As seen in Genesis 6:13, God said to Noah, 'I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.'
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 6:1 → Matthew 24:37 | The corruption of humanity in Genesis 6 is similar to the corruption of humanity in the days of Noah, as described in Matthew 24:37. |
| 2 | Genesis 6:8 → Hebrews 11:7 | The righteousness of Noah in Genesis 6 is an example of faith in God, as described in Hebrews 11:7. |
| 3 | Genesis 6:13 → 2 Peter 2:5 | The judgment of God in Genesis 6 is similar to the judgment of God in 2 Peter 2:5. |
| 4 | Genesis 6:14 → Hebrews 11:7 | The salvation of Noah and his family in Genesis 6 is an example of faith in God, as described in Hebrews 11:7. |
| 5 | Genesis 6:18 → Genesis 9:1 | The covenant that God establishes with Noah in Genesis 6:18 is similar to the covenant that God establishes with Noah in Genesis 9:1. |
| 6 | Genesis 6:20 → Leviticus 11:1 | The instruction to bring two of every kind of animal into the ark in Genesis 6:20 is similar to the instruction to separate clean and unclean animals in Leviticus 11:1. |
| 7 | Genesis 6:22 → Exodus 40:16 | The obedience of Noah in Genesis 6:22 is similar to the obedience of Moses in Exodus 40:16. |
| 8 | Genesis 6:1 → Romans 3:23 | The corruption of humanity in Genesis 6 is similar to the corruption of humanity in Romans 3:23. |
| 9 | Genesis 6:8 → 1 Peter 3:20 | The righteousness of Noah in Genesis 6 is an example of faith in God, as described in 1 Peter 3:20. |
| 10 | Genesis 6:13 → 2 Thessalonians 1:9 | The judgment of God in Genesis 6 is similar to the judgment of God in 2 Thessalonians 1:9. |
Sermons on Genesis 6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 4 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being stripped of worldly desires and possessions in order to fully surrender to God. He mentions a story of a man who was |
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(Hebrews) 6-Noah by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of faith in pleasing God. He emphasizes that without faith, it is impossible to please God. The speaker also highlights the co |
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(1 Peter - Part 29): False Teaching on Obscure Teaching by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of salvation and the role of baptism in it. He emphasizes that very few people were saved in the past, highlighting the importanc |
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Baptism of Repentance by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the difference between walking in a normal regenerate state and walking in the power of the Holy Ghost. He highlights the radical transformat |
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(Spain) the Touch of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his own spiritual journey and the realization that he had been giving half-hearted sermons. He shares how the Holy Spirit convicted him whi |
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The Days of Noah (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern about the state of the world and the lack of compassion shown towards those in need. He references a news report about the contras an |
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Jude #3 - the Angels That Sinned by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a controversial passage in the Bible, specifically verse 6 of Jude. The speaker presents three views on the interpretation of this verse. The |
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Complete Surrender by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself to God and sacrificing for His glory. The speaker talks about the need to prioritize spiritual matter |
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God Is a Rewarder of Those Who Seek Him (2 of 4) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of faith and believing in God's commands. He highlights that true faith is optimistic, trusting that God has a reason and an e |
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Jude #5 - Michael, Satan and the Body of Moses by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of apostasy and highlights three basic marks of apostasy: defiling the flesh, despising dominion, and railing at dignities. The serm |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 6
Matthew Henry's commentary on Genesis 6 highlights the corruption of humanity, with the sons of God marrying the daughters of men and producing giants, leading to violence and corruption on the earth. Henry notes that this corruption is a result of the fall and the sinful nature of humanity, and that it is a reflection of the wickedness of the human heart. Henry also highlights the righteousness of Noah, who finds favor in the eyes of God and is saved from the flood. Henry notes that the salvation of Noah and his family is a type of the salvation that is available through Christ, and that it is a reminder of the importance of living a righteous and blameless life. As Henry writes, 'The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.' (Genesis 6:5) This commentary provides a detailed analysis of the chapter, highlighting the main points and themes, and providing practical lessons for believers. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Corruption of Humanity
The chapter highlights the depravity of humanity, with the sons of God marrying the daughters of men and producing giants, leading to violence and corruption on the earth. This corruption is a result of the fall and the sinful nature of humanity.
The Righteousness of Noah
The chapter introduces Noah as a righteous and blameless man, who finds favor in the eyes of God. This righteousness is a contrast to the wickedness of humanity and sets the stage for the salvation of Noah and his family.
The Judgment of God
The chapter describes the righteous judgment of God, with the flood destroying the earth and saving only Noah and his family. This judgment is a consequence of the sin and corruption of humanity.