Genesis 6:17
Genesis 6:17 in Multiple Translations
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.
And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
And I, behold, I do bring the flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is in the earth shall die.
For truly, I will send a great flow of waters over the earth, for the destruction from under the heaven of all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything on the earth will come to an end.
I myself am going to flood the earth with water that will destroy everything that breathes. Every living thing everywhere on earth will die.
And I, beholde, I will bring a flood of waters vpon the earth to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life vnder the heauen: all that is in the earth shall perish.
'And I, lo, I am bringing in the deluge of waters on the earth to destroy all flesh, in which [is] a living spirit, from under the heavens; all that [is] in the earth doth expire.
I, even I, will bring the flood of waters on this earth, to destroy all flesh having the breath of life from under the sky. Everything that is in the earth will die.
And behold, I, even I do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, in which is the breath of life, from under heaven: and every thing that is on the earth shall die.
Behold I will bring the waters of a great flood upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, under heaven. All things that are in the earth shall be consumed.
Listen carefully! I am about to cause a flood to occur that will destroy every creature that lives beneath the sky. Everything on the earth will die.
You see, soon I will bring a lot of flood water, and it will cover the earth, and everything that is on the earth will die. Everything that breathes air will die, wherever they live.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 6:17
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 6:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/אֲנִ֗י
הִנְ/נִי֩
מֵבִ֨יא
אֶת
הַ/מַּבּ֥וּל
מַ֨יִם֙
עַל
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
לְ/שַׁחֵ֣ת
כָּל
בָּשָׂ֗ר
אֲשֶׁר
בּ/וֹ֙
ר֣וּחַ
חַיִּ֔ים
מִ/תַּ֖חַת
הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם
כֹּ֥ל
אֲשֶׁר
בָּ/אָ֖רֶץ
יִגְוָֽע
וַ/אֲנִ֗י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
הִנְ/נִי֩
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part | Suff
מֵבִ֨יא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מַּבּ֥וּל
mabbûwl
H3999
flood
Art | N-ms
מַ֨יִם֙
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
לְ/שַׁחֵ֣ת
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בָּשָׂ֗ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בּ/וֹ֙
Prep | Suff
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
חַיִּ֔ים
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp
מִ/תַּ֖חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep | Prep
הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
כֹּ֥ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בָּ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
יִגְוָֽע
gâvaʻ
H1478
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 6:17
וַ/אֲנִ֗י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
הִנְ/נִי֩
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part | Suff
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
מֵבִ֨יא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מַּבּ֥וּל
mabbûwl
H3999
"flood"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a massive flood, like the one in Noah's time that covered the entire earth in water. It appears in the story of Noah's Ark in Genesis. This flood lasted about a year.
Definition: 1) flood, deluge. 1a) Noah's flood that submerged the entire planet earth under water for about a year
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: flood. See also: Genesis 6:17; Genesis 9:15; Psalms 29:10.
מַ֨יִם֙
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
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.
לְ/שַׁחֵ֣ת
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בָּשָׂ֗ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בּ/וֹ֙
""
Prep | Suff
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
חַיִּ֔ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
מִ/תַּ֖חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
כֹּ֥ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בָּ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | 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.
יִגְוָֽע
gâvaʻ
H1478
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to die or expire, like when Jesus gave up his spirit on the cross in Matthew 27:50. It implies a complete stop, like a final breath. It is used in the Bible to describe the end of life.
Definition: 1) to expire, die, perish, give up the ghost, yield up the ghost, be dead, be ready to die 1a) (Qal) to expire, die, be about to die
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: die, be dead, give up the ghost, perish. See also: Genesis 6:17; Job 3:11; Psalms 88:16.
Study Notes — Genesis 6:17
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- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 6:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 6:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 6:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 6:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 6:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 6:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 6:17
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 6:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 6:17
- Sermons on Genesis 6:17
Context — Preparing the Ark
15And this is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high.
16You 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.
17And 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.
18But 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. 19And you are to bring two of every living creature into the ark—male and female—to keep them alive with you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 7:4 | For seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living thing I have made.” |
| 2 | 2 Peter 2:5 | if He did not spare the ancient world when He brought the flood on its ungodly people, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, among the eight; |
| 3 | Genesis 7:21–23 | And every living thing that moved upon the earth perished—birds, livestock, animals, every creature that swarms upon the earth, and all mankind. Of all that was on dry land, everything that had the breath of life in its nostrils died. And every living thing on the face of the earth was destroyed—man and livestock, crawling creatures and birds of the air; they were blotted out from the earth, and only Noah and those with him in the ark remained. |
| 4 | Psalms 107:34 | and fruitful land into fields of salt, because of the wickedness of its dwellers. |
| 5 | Hebrews 11:7 | By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. |
| 6 | 1 Peter 3:20 | who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water. |
| 7 | Amos 9:6 | He builds His upper rooms in the heavens and founds His vault upon the earth. He summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth. The LORD is His name. |
| 8 | Psalms 29:10 | The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever. |
| 9 | Exodus 14:17 | And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. Then I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army and chariots and horsemen. |
| 10 | Psalms 93:3–4 | The floodwaters have risen, O LORD; the rivers have raised their voice; the seas lift up their pounding waves. Above the roar of many waters— the mighty breakers of the sea— the LORD on high is majestic. |
Genesis 6:17 Summary
Genesis 6:17 tells us that God will bring a flood to destroy every living creature on earth because of the wickedness of humanity. This shows us that God is serious about sin and will not tolerate it forever (see Genesis 6:5-7). However, even in the midst of judgment, God provides a way of salvation, as seen in His promise to Noah in Genesis 6:18. This reminds us that God is both just and merciful, and that He desires to save us from the consequences of our sin (see Genesis 9:8-17 and Romans 5:8).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the flood in Genesis 6:17?
The purpose of the flood is to destroy every creature under the heavens that has the breath of life, as stated in Genesis 6:17, due to the wickedness of humanity, as seen in Genesis 6:5-7, and to establish a new covenant with Noah, as promised in Genesis 6:18.
Will anything survive the flood?
According to Genesis 6:17-19, everything on the earth will perish, but Noah, his family, and two of every living creature will survive by entering the ark, as instructed by God in Genesis 6:18-19, and as seen in the account of the flood in Genesis 7-8.
What does it mean to have the 'breath of life' in Genesis 6:17?
The phrase 'breath of life' refers to the life-giving spirit that animates all living creatures, as seen in Genesis 2:7, where God breathes the breath of life into Adam, and in Genesis 7:22, where all creatures that have the breath of life in them perish in the flood.
Is the flood in Genesis 6:17 a symbol of God's judgment or mercy?
The flood in Genesis 6:17 is both a symbol of God's judgment on sin, as seen in Genesis 6:5-7, and a demonstration of His mercy, as He saves Noah and his family, and establishes a covenant with them, as promised in Genesis 6:18, and as seen in the rainbow covenant in Genesis 9:8-17.
Reflection Questions
- What does the destruction of every creature under the heavens in Genesis 6:17 reveal about God's character and His response to sin?
- How does the promise of destruction in Genesis 6:17 relate to the promise of salvation in Genesis 6:18, and what does this reveal about God's plan of redemption?
- What does the phrase 'everything on the earth will perish' in Genesis 6:17 mean for our understanding of the severity of sin and the importance of obedience to God?
- How can we apply the lesson of the flood in Genesis 6:17 to our own lives, in terms of recognizing the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God's mercy and salvation?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 6:17
And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth,.... That there was such a flood of waters brought upon the earth, is confirmed by the testimonies of Heathen writers of all nations;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 6:17
And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 6:17
I, even I, which is thus emphatically repeated, to signify that this flood did not proceed from natural causes, but from the immediate hand and judgment of God, do bring, i.e. will assuredly and speedily bring, all flesh, i.e. all men, birds, and beasts. Every thing that is in the earth. This limitation is added to show, that the fishes are not included in the threatened destruction, either because they did not live in the same element wherein men lived and sinned; or because they were not so instrumental in men’ s sins as the beasts might be; or because man had a greater command over the beasts than over the fishes, and greater service and benefit from them; and therefore the destruction of the former was a greater and more proper punishment to man than the latter.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 6:17
Genesis 6:17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein [is] the breath of life, from under heaven; [and] every thing that [is] in the earth shall die.Ver. 17. And behold I, even I.] Verba stomachantis, &c., confirmantis veritatem comminationis suae . Abused mercy turns into fury. God will not alway serve men for a sinning stock. Crudelem medicum intemperans ager facit. Every thing that is in the earth shall die.] A dismal doom; and God is now absolute in his threatening, because he will be resolute in his execution. Oh, tremble and sin not; while others sin and tremble not. "Kiss the Son, lest he be angry"; "Who knoweth the power of his anger? Surely according to our fear, is his wrath". It is a just presage and desert of ruin, not to be warned.
God hath hanged up the old world in gibbets, as it were, for our admonition. Worthily are they made examples, that will not take them. Who pities the second captain, consumed by fire with his company, since he had a fair warning, but would not beware by it? "Behold the day of the Lord cometh, that shall burn as an oven," This last day was foretold by Enoch, before the deluge was by Noah. Longer it is before it comes, but shall be more terrible when it is come. Mimus.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 6:17
(17) A flood.—Mabbul, another archaic word. It is used only of the deluge, except in Psalms 29:10, where, however, there is an evident allusion to the flood of Noah. Every thing that is in the earth shall die.—That this by no means involves the theory of a universal deluge has been shown with admirable cogency by Professor Tayler Lewis in “Lange’s Commentary.” His view is that the writer described with perfect truthfulness that of which he was either an eye-witness, or of which he had received the knowledge by tradition; or lastly, that he recorded in his own language the impressions divinely inspired in his mind by God. “We have no right,” he adds, “to force upon him, and upon the scene so vividly described, our modern notions or our modern knowledge of the earth, with its Alps and Himalayas, its round figure, its extent and diversities, so much beyond any knowledge he could have possessed or any conception he could have formed.” The excursus is too long even for condensation, but we may add, first, that the idea of unnecessary miracle is contrary both to the wisdom of the Almighty, and to what we actually find in the Bible with respect to the exercise of supernatural power; and, secondly, that the narrative itself repeatedly negatives the theory that the flood extended to any great distance beyond the regions then occupied by man. Moreover, it is in exact accordance with the use of words in Holy Scripture that the large term, the earth, is limited to the earth as known to Noah and his contemporaries. We shall also discover in what follows reason for believing that the account originally came from one who was an eye-witness; and the extreme antiquity of the language is a proof that it was committed to writing at a time long anterior to the age of Moses.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 6:17
Verse 17. I - do bring a flood] מבול; mabbul; a word used only to designate the general deluge, being never applied to signify any other kind of inundation; and does not the Holy Spirit intend to show by this that no other flood was ever like this, and that it should continue to be the sole one of the kind? There have been many partial inundations in various countries, but never more than ONE general deluge; and we have God's promise, Genesis 9:15, that there shall never be another.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 6:17
17. And I, behold, I] The emphasis on the 1st person seems to bring out the thought of the terrible necessity of this act of universal destruction brought upon the world by its Creator. the flood] Heb. mabbϋl, a word used only of the Deluge in this passage (6–9) and in Psalms 29:10, where “the flood of waters” fails to give the meaning, which is “the Deluge (the mabbϋl) of waters.” all flesh] See Genesis 6:12. Here, however, it denotes the animals as well as mankind. the breath of life] Lit. “the spirit (ruaḥ ?, LXX πνεῦμα) of life,” a different phrase from that in Genesis 2:7, “the breath (nishmath) of life” (J). Noah is commanded to enter the ark, taking with him his own family and two of all the animals. The Priestly Writer could not endorse the idea that the distinction between “clean” and “unclean” was known before the days of Moses. In J, however (Genesis 7:2-3), it is assumed that this distinction was primaeval (see note).
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 6:17
17. Behold, I, even I, do bring a flood — Language setting forth a special and awful providence.
Sermons on Genesis 6:17
| Sermon | Description | |
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Sodom's Sister by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his initial desire to bring a cheerful and uplifting message, but instead finds himself drawn to the 16th chapter of Ezekiel. He em |
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Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of recognizing the reality of death and the need for salvation through Christ. He highlights the role of Satan as a destructive |
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Can Two Walk Together? by James Macginlay | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and dismisses the idea of fake religions that rely on visions, dreams, and hallucinations. He encourages the congre |
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Conference 1989-03 ~ Nehemiah 4:10 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker criticizes the obsession with numbers and the pursuit of fame within the Protestant denomination. He shares an anecdote about a convention that adopted |
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Pressures of Christianity 04 Godly Seed Under Pressure by Harry Deutchman | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three main points: feeding, defense, and instruction. He emphasizes the parallel between the past and the present, specifically focusing on t |
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The Dove of Noah's Ark by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher uses vivid imagery to describe the world as God saw and judged it. He compares it to a dark and desolate place, satisfied with its own corruption and e |
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(Genesis) Genesis 6:17-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Noah and the flood from the Bible. He emphasizes that Noah did not have to go out and hunt the animals for the ark, but rather th |