Genesis 6:1

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when men {H120} began {H2490} to multiply {H7231} on {H5921} the face {H6440} of the earth {H127}, and daughters {H1323} were born {H3205} unto them,

Complete Jewish Bible

In time, when men began to multiply on earth, and daughters were born to them,

Berean Standard Bible

Now when men began to multiply on the face of the earth and daughters were born to them,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the ground, and daughters were born unto them,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 6:1 serves as a critical narrative pivot, succinctly describing the rapid and widespread increase of the human population across the earth, specifically noting the birth of daughters. This seemingly natural demographic expansion, however, is presented not merely as a fulfillment of the creation mandate but as the ominous prelude to a period of profound moral corruption and divine grief, setting the stage for the cataclysmic judgment of the Great Flood and a significant turning point in God's interaction with humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a new and somber chapter in the Genesis narrative, shifting focus dramatically from the preceding genealogical record of Adam's descendants in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Genealogies from Adam to Noah"). While [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Line of Seth and Noah's Ancestry") meticulously traces the lineage leading to Noah, highlighting longevity and the cycle of life and death, [Genesis 6:1](/genesis/6-1 "The Proliferation of Humanity Before the Flood") abruptly introduces the escalating depravity of mankind. It functions as a crucial narrative hinge, immediately preceding the enigmatic account of the "sons of God" and "daughters of men" in [Genesis 6:2](/genesis/6-2 "The Sons of God and Daughters of Men"), which directly precipitates the universal wickedness described in [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "The Greatness of Man's Wickedness"). Thus, Genesis 6:1 establishes the demographic conditions necessary for the widespread moral decay that necessitates divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, population growth was generally viewed as a blessing and a sign of divine favor, often linked to the fulfillment of creation mandates. The command to [be fruitful and multiply](/genesis/1-28 "God's Command to Be Fruitful and Multiply") was foundational. However, this verse, set against the backdrop of an increasingly populated world, hints at the dark side of unchecked human proliferation when moral and spiritual foundations erode. While specific cultural norms of the pre-Flood world are not explicitly detailed, the narrative implies a society that, despite its growth, had drifted far from the Creator's original design, leading to a pervasive corruption that would become the norm rather than the exception. The geographical setting is still the "face of the earth," indicating a widespread, global phenomenon rather than a localized event, emphasizing the universal scope of the impending judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 6:1 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the **fulfillment and perversion of the creation mandate**, where humanity successfully multiplies, yet this very success becomes the context for profound sin rather than righteous flourishing. It highlights the **escalation of sin**, demonstrating how human depravity, left unchecked, can rapidly spread and intensify within a growing population, leading to societal corruption on a global scale, as seen in [Genesis 6:5-7](/genesis/6-5-7 "God's Grief and Decision to Destroy Mankind"). Furthermore, it serves as a **prelude to divine judgment and redemption**, setting the stage for one of the Bible's earliest and most dramatic acts of divine judgment—the Great Flood—which in turn foreshadows the need for ultimate redemption and a new beginning.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** Derived from a root meaning "ruddy," this term refers to humanity collectively, encompassing both male and female. Its use here underscores that the population increase was universal, involving the entire human race, not just a specific segment. This collective reference emphasizes the widespread nature of the subsequent moral decline.
* **began (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to bore" or "to open," and by implication, "to begin." However, it also carries the significant connotation of "to profane" or "to defile." While contextually it means "began," the secondary meaning subtly hints at the profaning or corrupting nature of humanity's new beginning or "opening wedge" into a period of widespread wickedness, setting a tone for the subsequent narrative.
* **multiply (Hebrew, _râbab'_):** This root signifies increasing greatly, especially in number, to become many or manifold, even by the myriad. It emphasizes the rapid and extensive nature of human population growth. The use of this word confirms that God's initial command to [be fruitful and multiply](/genesis/1-28 "The Creation Mandate to Be Fruitful") was indeed being fulfilled, but the context of the surrounding verses reveals the negative spiritual implications of this unchecked proliferation.
* **daughters (Hebrew, _bath'_):** This word, meaning "daughter," is crucial for its specific narrative function. While general population growth is noted, the explicit mention of daughters being born directly anticipates and sets the stage for the events of [Genesis 6:2](/genesis/6-2 "The Sons of God and Daughters of Men"), where the "sons of God" take wives from these "daughters of men," initiating the unique form of corruption that prompts divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth,"**: This opening clause marks a significant transition in the narrative, signaling a new phase in human history. The phrase "it came to pass" (וַיְהִי, *vayhi*) often introduces a pivotal event or a shift in the story's focus. Here, it highlights the successful fulfillment of God's command to humanity to [be fruitful and multiply](/genesis/1-28 "God's Blessing and Command to Humanity"). The phrase "on the face of the earth" emphasizes the widespread and global nature of this population growth, indicating that humanity was spreading across the entire habitable world, setting the stage for a universal moral crisis.
* **"and daughters were born unto them,"**: This seemingly simple statement provides a crucial detail that directly links to the subsequent verses. While the multiplication of "men" (humanity) generally implies the birth of both sons and daughters, the specific mention of "daughters" is not incidental. It serves as a direct narrative cue, preparing the reader for the unique and problematic interactions described in [Genesis 6:2](/genesis/6-2 "The Intermarriage of Sons of God and Daughters of Men"), where the "sons of God" are drawn to the "daughters of men." This specific demographic development acts as a catalyst for the escalating moral decay that leads to the Flood.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 6:1 employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the seemingly benign mention of population growth, particularly the birth of daughters, directly anticipates and sets the stage for the moral crisis detailed in the subsequent verses, especially [Genesis 6:2](/genesis/6-2 "The Narrative of the Sons of God and Daughters of Men"). The phrase "And it came to pass" functions as a **Transitional Marker**, signaling a shift from the genealogical lists of [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Genealogies of Genesis") to a new, more dramatic phase of human history, characterized by escalating depravity. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Synecdoche** by specifically mentioning "daughters" as a part representing the whole of the population growth, highlighting the particular aspect of this growth that will become central to the unfolding narrative of corruption. This concise verse, therefore, acts as a potent overture, pregnant with ominous implications for humanity's future.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 6:1, while brief, is theologically profound, illustrating how the very success of human proliferation, intended as a blessing, can become the backdrop for profound moral failure when divorced from divine guidance. It underscores the critical biblical theme that numerical growth or societal advancement does not inherently equate to spiritual flourishing. Instead, it highlights humanity's persistent tendency towards sin, demonstrating how a growing population, without a corresponding growth in righteousness, can rapidly descend into widespread corruption, necessitating divine intervention. This verse thus lays the groundwork for understanding the depth of human depravity that grieved God's heart and led to the drastic judgment of the Flood, simultaneously emphasizing God's unwavering attentiveness to the moral state of His creation.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "God's Command to Be Fruitful and Multiply"): This verse directly relates to the creation mandate given to humanity to "be fruitful and multiply," showing its fulfillment but also its perversion in the context of sin.
* [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "The Extent of Human Wickedness"): The population growth described in Genesis 6:1 provides the context for the widespread and pervasive wickedness detailed in this subsequent verse.
* [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "The Entrance of Sin and Death"): This New Testament passage speaks to the universal spread of sin and death, providing a theological framework for understanding the escalating depravity seen in Genesis 6.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 6:1 offers a sobering reflection for contemporary society, reminding us that numerical growth—whether in population, technological advancement, or material prosperity—does not automatically signify moral or spiritual progress. This verse challenges us to critically examine the foundations upon which our own societies are built. Are our advancements accompanied by a deepening commitment to righteousness, justice, and compassion, or are they merely providing more opportunities for the proliferation of sin and self-interest? The narrative underscores God's meticulous observation of humanity's moral trajectory and the profound consequences that arise when a burgeoning population chooses to depart from His design. It calls us to consider the quality of our growth, urging us to cultivate spiritual maturity and ethical integrity within our communities, lest our own proliferation become a catalyst for greater depravity rather than a testament to God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea that population growth can lead to increased depravity challenge our modern assumptions about progress and development?**
* **In what ways might our own "multiplication" (e.g., in knowledge, technology, or wealth) inadvertently create conditions for moral decay if not guided by spiritual principles?**
* **What specific steps can individuals and communities take to ensure that growth is accompanied by spiritual and moral flourishing, rather than decline?**

### FAQ
**Why does the verse specifically mention "daughters were born unto them"?**

Answer: This detail is highly significant because it immediately precedes and sets up the narrative of [Genesis 6:2](/genesis/6-2 "Understanding the Daughters of Men in Genesis 6:2"), where the "sons of God" take wives from these "daughters of men." It highlights a specific demographic development that leads directly to the unique wickedness described in the following verses, not just general population growth. This particular mention serves as a crucial narrative cue, linking the population increase to the subsequent moral crisis.

**Does "men" in this verse refer only to males, or to humanity in general?**

Answer: The Hebrew word used, *ha'adam* (הָאָדָם), refers to humanity in general, encompassing both men and women. The verse describes the overall increase of the human population, emphasizing the widespread nature of this demographic shift across the earth.

**Is population growth inherently negative according to this verse?**

Answer: No, population growth itself is a fulfillment of God's original blessing and command to [be fruitful and multiply](/genesis/1-28 "God's Command to Be Fruitful and Multiply"). However, this verse highlights that numerical growth, when coupled with a lack of spiritual and moral grounding, can create conditions ripe for widespread corruption and sin, leading to negative consequences as seen in the subsequent narrative of the Flood.

**What is the significance of the phrase "And it came to pass"?**

Answer: This common biblical phrase (*vayhi* in Hebrew) often signals a transition or the beginning of a significant new event or phase in the narrative. Here, it marks the shift from the genealogies of [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Genealogies of Genesis") to the escalating moral crisis that precipitates the Great Flood, indicating a pivotal moment in God's dealings with humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 6:1 describes a period of increasing human population and impending judgment, it subtly points to humanity's desperate need for a new beginning and a radical divine intervention that ultimately finds its fulfillment in Christ. The widespread corruption that arose from this proliferation of mankind ultimately necessitated a divine cleansing, foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual cleansing and new creation offered through Jesus. Just as the "days of Noah" were characterized by humanity's preoccupation and unpreparedness for divine judgment (see [Matthew 24:37-39](/matthew/24-37-39 "Jesus' Prophecy of the Days of Noah")), so too does the world often remain oblivious to its spiritual state. Noah and his family, preserved through the flood, represent a remnant saved by God's grace. In Christ, we find the true Ark of salvation, providing refuge from the judgment of sin. Through His atoning work, Jesus offers a new covenant and the promise of a new creation (compare [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "Being a New Creation in Christ")), providing a righteous remnant for a spiritual new beginning, transcending the cycle of sin and judgment seen in Genesis.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 1:28

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.