Genesis 6:11
Genesis 6:11 in Multiple Translations
Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence.
The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
And the earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
And the earth was evil in God's eyes and full of violent ways.
God saw how corrupt the whole world had become, full of violent and lawless people.
The earth also was corrupt before God: for the earth was filled with crueltie.
And the earth is corrupt before God, and the earth is filled [with] violence.
The earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
The earth also was corrupt before God; and the earth was filled with violence.
And the earth was corrupted before God, and was filled with iniquity.
At that time God considered that everyone else on earth was very wicked, and everywhere on the earth, people [MTY] were acting cruelly and violently toward each other.
Everyone on the earth kept on doing bad things. They were doing wrong to each other, and fighting and hurting each other. God looked down and saw all the bad things that were going on. The people were always doing things that were really bad.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 6:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 6:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּשָּׁחֵ֥ת
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
וַ/תִּמָּלֵ֥א
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
חָמָֽס
וַ/תִּשָּׁחֵ֥ת
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
וַ/תִּמָּלֵ֥א
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
חָמָֽס
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 6:11
וַ/תִּשָּׁחֵ֥ת
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/תִּמָּלֵ֥א
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
חָמָֽס
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-ms
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
Study Notes — Genesis 6:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 6:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 6:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 6:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 6:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 6:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 6:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 6:11
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 6:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 6:11
- Sermons on Genesis 6:11
Context — Noah’s Favor with God
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 creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways. 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 8:17 | “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see this? Is it not enough for the house of Judah to commit the abominations they are practicing here, that they must also fill the land with violence and continually provoke Me to anger? Look, they are even putting the branch to their nose! |
| 2 | Hosea 4:1–2 | Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another. |
| 3 | Habakkuk 2:8 | Because you have plundered many nations, the remnant of the people will plunder you— because of your bloodshed against man and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. |
| 4 | Romans 3:19 | Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. |
| 5 | Romans 2:13 | For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 28:16 | By the vastness of your trade, you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mountain of God, and I banished you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. |
| 7 | Isaiah 60:18 | No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders. But you will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. |
| 8 | Habakkuk 1:2 | How long, O LORD, must I call for help but You do not hear, or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save? |
| 9 | Psalms 140:11 | May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 6:7 | As a well gushes its water, so she pours out her evil. Violence and destruction resound in her; sickness and wounds are ever before Me. |
Genesis 6:11 Summary
This verse, Genesis 6:11, tells us that the earth had become a very bad place, full of violence and sin, which is also described in Romans 3:23. It was so bad that it was 'corrupt in the sight of God', meaning that God saw the evil and was grieved by it, as seen in Genesis 6:6. But even in the midst of all this corruption, God was still at work, as seen in the story of Noah, who 'found grace in the eyes of the Lord' (Genesis 6:8). This reminds us that no matter how bad things seem, God is always present and working to redeem and restore His creation, as promised in Revelation 21:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the earth to be 'corrupt in the sight of God'?
This phrase suggests that the world had become thoroughly wicked and sinful, contrary to God's will, as seen in Genesis 6:11 and supported by Jeremiah 17:9, which notes the heart is 'deceitful above all things and desperately wicked'
How does violence contribute to the corruption of the earth?
The presence of violence indicates a breakdown in human relationships and a disregard for the value of life, as highlighted in Genesis 6:11 and also seen in Matthew 24:12, where Jesus warns that 'because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold'
Is this verse describing a universal condition or a specific historical context?
While Genesis 6:11 describes a specific moment in history, the themes of corruption and violence are timeless and universal, echoing the warning in Psalm 14:3 that 'there is none who does good, no, not one'
How does this verse relate to the character of Noah, introduced in the preceding verse?
The contrast between the corrupt earth and Noah's righteous character, as described in Genesis 6:9, highlights God's ability to preserve and redeem even in the midst of widespread wickedness, as seen in Genesis 6:8, where 'Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I contribute to or combat corruption and violence in my own community, and how can I align my actions with God's will as expressed in Genesis 6:11?
- In what ways do I see the effects of corruption and violence in the world around me, and how can I be a force for redemption and healing, as Noah was in his generation?
- How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's perspective on the world, as described in Genesis 6:11, and allow that perspective to shape my own values and actions?
- What does it mean for me to 'walk with God' in a world that is 'full of violence', as seen in the contrast between Genesis 6:9 and Genesis 6:11?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 6:11
The earth also was corrupt before God,.... That is, the inhabitants of the earth were corrupt in their lives and conversations; they were corrupt both in principle and practice, and did abominable
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 6:11
The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. The earth also was corrupt before God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 6:11
The earth is here put for its inhabitants, as . Before God, or, before the face of God; q.d. in despite and contempt of God, and of his presence and justice. Compare , and : q. d. They sinned openly and impudently without shame, boldly and resolutely without any fear of God. In the latter part of the verse, the earth is put for the place, or the inhabited parts of it. So the same word is twice used in a differing sense in one and the same verse. See the like . Violence, or, injustice, fraud, rapine, oppression; for all these this word signifies. Some conceive that these two branches note the universal corruption of mankind, in reference to all their duties. 1. Towards God and his worship, which they corrupted by horrible superstition, and by idolatry, which is called corruption, , . 2.
Towards men, in the duties of righteousness.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 6:11
Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.Ver. 11. The earth also was corrupt before God.] Or, rotten, putrid, and stank again. Sin is an offence to all God’ s senses; yea, to his very soul, as he complains in Isaiah 1:1-16. Oh that it were so to ours! then would we not hide it under our tongues, as a child doth sugar, and harbour it in our hearts; yea, let it eat of our meat, and drink of our cup, and lie in our bosoms, as the poor man’ s lamb did in Nathan’ s parable. Lust was but a stranger to David, as the prophet there intimates At other times, and when himself, "I hate vain thoughts," saith he, yea, "every false way," as the vomit of a dog, as the devil’ s excrements, as the putrefaction of a dead soul, dead in trespasses; dead and rotten, as here, stinking (τεταρταιος), worse before God, than Lazarus was or could be, after he had lain four days in the grave.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 6:11
(11) The earth.—This is the larger word, and it occurs no less than six times in these three verses, thus indicating a more widespread calamity than if adâmâh only had been used, as in Genesis 6:7. But the earth that “was corrupt before God” was not the whole material globe, but that part which man, notably the gibborim of Gen 6:4, had “filled with violence.” Whithersoever man’s violence had spread, there his home and all his works, his builded cities, his tilled land, his cattle and stores, must be entirely swept away. An absolutely new beginning was to be made by Noah, such as Adam had to undertake when he was expelled from Paradise. The reason of this necessity is next given.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 6:11
Verse 11. The earth also was corrupt] See Clarke on Genesis 6:5.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 6:11
11. corrupt] The full strength of the word would rather be given by “corrupted.” LXX ἐφθάρη, Lat. corrupta est, “was marred, ruined.” “Before God,” i.e. according to the standard of His judgement. “God” is here ha-Elohim, i.e. the God, the Elohim, absolutely. violence] The particular form of wickedness represented by this word, here and in Genesis 6:13, is doubtless meant to be impious insolence and active disregard of all law of right and wrong. LXX ἀδικίας and Lat. iniquitate miss the specific thought of “violence.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 6:11
11-13. The earth also was corrupt — This verb, in the same form, is used in Exodus 8:24, to describe the land of Egypt corrupted by the swarms of flies, the black, blood-sucking multitudes that made the land uninhabitable.
Sermons on Genesis 6:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Why Does the Holy Spirit Not Fill the Church by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of judgment and the need for it in order to save humanity. He explains that God saw the moral corruption that had spread througho |
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Judgement Seat 1-31-91 - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the corruption and violence present in the world today. He criticizes the politicians in Washington for their involvement in financial scand |
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The Flood by Lawrence Chambers | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the impending judgment that will come upon those who have been indifferent and careless towards the things of God. He describes a day when s |
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Matthew 24 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the signs of the times as outlined in Matthew 24, drawing parallels between current global crises such as wars, famines, and pestilence with the days of Noah. |
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2 Peter 3:6 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 3:6, emphasizing the historical account of the flood as a demonstration of God's judgment on a corrupt world. He explains that the flood was a univers |
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When the Heart Lights Go On by A.W. Tozer | The preacher delves into the concept of being corrupted, emphasizing the physical and moral harm caused by corruption, leading to decay, ruin, and destruction. The root word 'phthe |
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Being Prepared by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of being prudent and prepared for adversity, drawing lessons from biblical figures like Noah, Joseph, and the Apostle Paul who faced hardsh |