Genesis 6:1-3

The Corruption of Mankind

1 Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them,
2 that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever * they chose.
3 Then the LORD said, "1My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, 2because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years."

Genesis 6:1-3 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 6

This chapter gives an account of the wickedness of the old world, both among the profane and the professors of religion, which was taken notice of and resented by God, upon which he determined the destruction of it, Ge 6:1-7 only one man, Noah, is excepted, who found favour with God, and whose character is given, Ge 6:8-10 and to whom was observed by God the general corruption of the earth, Ge 6:11-13 and to whom he gave orders and directions for the building an ark for himself, and his family, being determined to destroy the earth with a flood, and all creatures in it, Ge 6:14-17 only he would preserve him and his wife, his three sons and their wives, and two of every living creature, for which, and for himself and his family, he was to take food into the ark when built, Ge 6:18-21 and the chapter is concluded with observing, that Noah did as he was commanded, Ge 6:22.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Galatians 5:16, 17; 1 Peter 3:20
  • 2. Psalms 78:39

Footnotes 4

  • [a]. Lit "good"
  • [b]. Or "rule in;" some ancient versions read "abide in"
  • [c]. Or "in his going astray he is flesh"
  • [d]. Or "therefore"
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