Genesis 6:12

And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

And God {H430} looked {H7200} upon the earth {H776}, and, behold, it was corrupt {H7843}; for all flesh {H1320} had corrupted {H7843} his way {H1870} upon the earth {H776}.

God saw the earth, and, yes, it was corrupt; for all living beings had corrupted their ways on the earth.

And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways.

And God saw the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.

Commentary

Genesis 6:12 describes God's assessment of the pre-Flood world, revealing the profound moral decay that necessitated divine intervention. This verse serves as a crucial bridge between the increasing wickedness of humanity and the impending judgment of the global flood.

Context

This verse immediately follows God's declaration of His sorrow over humanity's wickedness and His decision to limit human lifespan (Genesis 6:3). It sets the stage for the dramatic events of the Flood. The preceding verses paint a picture of rampant evil, where "every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). God's observation in verse 12 confirms that the corruption was not isolated but pervasive, affecting "all flesh" on the earth, leading directly to God's resolve to destroy it (Genesis 6:6-7).

Key Themes

  • Pervasive Corruption: The phrase "all flesh had corrupted his way" emphasizes the universal nature of the depravity. It wasn't just a few individuals, but the entire human society had veered off God's intended path, engaging in violence and moral transgression. This corruption was deeply ingrained, affecting their very "way" or manner of living.
  • Divine Observation and Judgment: "And God looked upon the earth" highlights God's omniscience and active involvement in creation. He is not a distant deity but one who observes the state of His world and responds to its moral condition. This observation directly precedes His righteous judgment.
  • Human Responsibility: The verse clearly attributes the corruption to humanity's actions: "all flesh had corrupted his way." This underscores the principle of human free will and accountability for choices that lead to moral degradation.

Linguistic Insights

The key Hebrew word translated as "corrupt" or "corrupted" is shachat (שחת). This term carries a strong connotation of ruin, decay, destruction, and moral depravity. It implies not just a deviation but a complete spoiling or marring of what was once good. The repetition of the word (the earth was "corrupt," and "all flesh had corrupted") emphasizes the depth and extent of the moral decay, indicating both a state of being and an active process of self-destruction. It suggests a breaking down of order and righteousness.

Practical Application

Genesis 6:12 offers timeless lessons. It reminds us that God is ever-observant of the moral state of humanity. The widespread corruption of the pre-Flood world serves as a solemn warning against the dangers of unchecked sin and societal decay. It highlights the importance of individual and collective righteousness, as seen in the contrast with Noah, who "found grace in the eyes of the Lord" (Genesis 6:8). This verse also points to the enduring truth that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, underscoring the universal need for redemption and transformation, a theme central to the biblical narrative.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 53:2

    God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were [any] that did understand, that did seek God.

  • Psalms 53:3

    Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.

  • Proverbs 15:3

    ¶ The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

  • Psalms 14:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David. The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, [there is] none that doeth good.

  • Psalms 14:3

    They are all gone aside, they are [all] together become filthy: [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.

  • 2 Peter 2:5

    And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth [person], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

  • Job 22:15

    ¶ Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden?
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