Genesis 6:13

KJV

¶ And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} said {H559} unto Noah {H5146}, The end {H7093} of all flesh {H1320} is come {H935} before me {H6440}; for the earth {H776} is filled with {H4390} violence {H2555} through them {H6440}; and, behold, I will destroy {H7843} them with {H854} the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God said to Noach, “The end of all living beings has come before me, for because of them the earth is filled with violence. I will destroy them along with the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

Then 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.

American Standard Version

And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 6:13 records God's solemn and definitive declaration to Noah, announcing His decision to bring a cataclysmic end to all living things on earth. This divine decree is a direct and necessary response to humanity's pervasive wickedness, specifically its overwhelming and systemic violence, signaling a pivotal moment of divine judgment and the commencement of God's redemptive plan through Noah and his family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 6:13 stands as the climactic divine pronouncement following a detailed account of humanity's rapid moral and spiritual degradation after the Fall. The preceding verses (Genesis 6:1-12) meticulously chronicle the spread of sin, beginning with the mysterious union of the "sons of God" and "daughters of men," leading to an increase in wickedness. This culminates in God's profound grief that [He had made mankind on the earth](/genesis/6-6 "Genesis 6:6 - God's Sorrow Over Humanity's Sin"), and His assessment that "every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" ([Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Genesis 6:5 - Humanity's Pervasive Wickedness")). The earth itself is described as [corrupt before God and filled with violence](/genesis/6-11 "Genesis 6:11 - The Earth's Corruption and Violence"). Amidst this universal depravity, Noah is introduced as a righteous man who "found grace in the eyes of the Lord" ([Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Genesis 6:8 - Noah Finds Grace")), setting the stage for this direct, intimate communication from God regarding the impending judgment and the unique pathway to preservation. This verse transitions the narrative from the diagnosis of humanity's sin to God's decisive action.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The pre-Flood world, as depicted in Genesis, was characterized by an exponential increase in human population and a corresponding escalation of sin. While specific historical details outside the biblical narrative are scarce, the text paints a picture of a society that had completely abandoned divine order and embraced widespread corruption. The "violence" (Hebrew: *chamas*) mentioned was not merely isolated acts of aggression but a pervasive, systemic breakdown of justice, social order, and human dignity. This era likely saw the rise of powerful, oppressive individuals ("mighty men... men of renown" in [Genesis 6:4](/genesis/6-4 "Genesis 6:4 - The Nephilim and Mighty Men")), contributing to a culture where might made right and human life was devalued. The concept of divine judgment through a flood was not unique to Israelite thought, with similar flood narratives appearing in ancient Near Eastern myths (e.g., the Epic of Gilgamesh), though the biblical account uniquely attributes the flood to a righteous, sovereign God responding to human sin, rather than capricious deities.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 6:13 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **pervasiveness and gravity of human sin** after the Fall, demonstrating its capacity to corrupt an entire civilization to the point of divine intervention. Secondly, it highlights **God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering commitment to justice**, revealing that He is not indifferent to evil but will ultimately judge unrighteousness. Thirdly, it introduces the theme of **divine judgment and cleansing**, portraying the flood not merely as destruction but as a radical purification of a defiled creation, preparing for a new beginning. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine grace and salvation**, as God's pronouncement of judgment is immediately followed by His specific instructions to Noah, setting in motion His plan to preserve a righteous remnant and continue His covenant purposes through him. This verse serves as a crucial theological hinge, linking humanity's fallen state to God's redemptive initiative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun, used with a singular verb, refers to the supreme God, the Creator and Sovereign Lord. Its use here emphasizes the divine authority and omnipotence behind the declaration of judgment. It is not merely a human observation but a divine verdict from the ultimate authority.
* **violence (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** This word signifies more than simple physical aggression. It encompasses systemic injustice, oppression, cruelty, and a complete disregard for God's established order and the well-being of others. It denotes a moral and social corruption that permeates all aspects of life, making the earth unbearable and an affront to God's holiness.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** This primitive root means "to decay, ruin, corrupt, or spoil." Here, in the context of God's action, it refers to a comprehensive and decisive act of ruination or annihilation. It signifies a radical purging and undoing of the corrupted order, highlighting the severity and totality of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God said unto Noah,"**: This opening phrase signifies a direct, personal, and authoritative divine communication. In a world where humanity had largely turned away from God, this direct address to Noah underscores his unique standing as a righteous man who "found grace" and was chosen as the recipient of divine revelation and the instrument of God's future purposes. It marks the beginning of God's specific instructions for salvation.
* **"The end of all flesh is come before me;"**: This is a profound statement of divine judgment and a sovereign verdict. "The end" (Hebrew: *qêts*) implies a finality, a termination. "All flesh" refers to all living beings, emphasizing the comprehensive scope of the impending judgment. The phrase "is come before me" indicates that humanity's sin and the resulting corruption had reached a point of no return in God's sight, necessitating a decisive and ultimate intervention. It is not merely a prediction but a declaration of a settled divine resolve.
* **"for the earth is filled with violence through them;"**: This clause provides the explicit divine rationale for the drastic judgment. The conjunction "for" establishes a direct causal link. The earth, which God had created good, had become "filled" (Hebrew: *mâlêʼ* - implying saturation and pervasiveness) with "violence" (Hebrew: *châmâç*) "through them" (referring to humanity). This highlights the extent to which human sin, particularly their systemic injustice and cruelty, had defiled the entire created order and provoked God's righteous wrath.
* **"and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth."**: This is God's unwavering declaration of His intended action. "Behold" draws attention to the certainty and gravity of the pronouncement. "I will destroy" (Hebrew: *shâchath*) signifies God's absolute sovereignty and His commitment to execute justice. The phrase "with the earth" suggests that the very ground, having been defiled by humanity's sin, would also be purged in this act of divine cleansing. This signifies a total, comprehensive judgment, indicating that the existing order had become irredeemably corrupt and required a radical reset.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 6:13 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Divine Pronouncement**, where God's direct speech carries absolute authority and certainty, underscoring the gravity of the impending judgment. The phrase "The end of all flesh is come before me" is an example of **Hyperbole** or **Merism**, signifying a total and comprehensive destruction of life, emphasizing the extreme nature of the corruption. The repeated emphasis on "violence" (also seen in [Genesis 6:11](/genesis/6-11 "Genesis 6:11 - Earth Filled with Violence")) functions as **Repetition** to highlight the primary cause of God's wrath and the pervasive nature of human depravity. Furthermore, the declaration "I will destroy them with the earth" uses **Metonymy**, where "the earth" stands for the entire created order, signifying that the judgment is not just on humanity but on the corrupted environment they inhabit, reflecting the profound impact of sin on the cosmos.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 6:13 is a foundational text for understanding the biblical themes of divine justice, the consequences of sin, and God's sovereign control over creation. It powerfully demonstrates that God is not indifferent to the moral state of His creation; His holiness demands a response to pervasive evil. While humanity's sin is the direct cause of the judgment, God's decision to "destroy them with the earth" also reveals His commitment to purifying His creation and upholding His righteous character. This act of judgment, though severe, paradoxically paves the way for a new beginning and the continuation of His redemptive plan through Noah.

* [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Unrighteousness")
* [2 Peter 2:5](/2_peter/2-5 "2 Peter 2:5 - God's Judgment on the Ancient World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 6:13 serves as a sobering reminder of the profound seriousness of sin and God's unwavering commitment to justice. It challenges us to confront the reality that unchecked human wickedness, particularly systemic violence and disregard for God's design, has dire consequences. This verse urges us to examine our own hearts and the societies we inhabit, asking whether our actions contribute to the "filling" of the earth with violence or to its restoration. Like Noah, who found grace in a corrupt world, we are called to live righteously, to stand apart from prevailing evil, and to align ourselves with God's purposes. It prompts us to consider the urgency of repentance and the need to actively pursue justice, peace, and righteousness in a world that often mirrors the pre-Flood depravity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the pervasive "violence" of Noah's day compare to the forms of violence and injustice prevalent in our world today?**
* **What does God's decision to "destroy them with the earth" reveal about His character, and how does this shape our understanding of His holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways can we, like Noah, live righteously and find grace in a world that may seem increasingly corrupt or violent?**
* **How should the certainty of God's judgment, as declared in this verse, influence our personal choices and our engagement with societal issues?**

### FAQ
**What does "the end of all flesh is come before me" mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies God's divine verdict and decision to bring about a complete termination of life on earth due to humanity's pervasive wickedness. It indicates that the moral corruption had reached a point where God's justice necessitated a decisive, ultimate intervention. It's a declaration of a sovereign judgment, not merely a prediction, highlighting that the Creator's patience had reached its limit.

**What kind of "violence" is referred to in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *châmâç* (H2555) implies far more than just physical aggression. It refers to systemic injustice, oppression, cruelty, and a complete breakdown of moral and social order. It suggests a world where human actions were fundamentally disruptive, exploitative, and contrary to God's design for human flourishing and righteous living. This was a pervasive corruption that had seeped into every facet of society.

**Why did God choose to destroy _all_ flesh, including animals?**

Answer: The judgment was comprehensive because human sin had corrupted the entire created order. Humanity, as God's image-bearers and appointed stewards, had not only defiled themselves but also the earth itself through their violence and rebellion. The destruction of "all flesh" signifies a radical cleansing and a fresh start for creation, highlighting the profound and far-reaching impact of sin on the whole cosmos, not just humanity. It was a necessary reset to preserve the integrity of creation.

**How does God's judgment in this verse relate to His love and mercy?**

Answer: While this verse speaks of severe judgment, it is paradoxically an act of justice that paves the way for mercy. God's holiness demands a response to evil, and His judgment purges the world of overwhelming corruption that made life unbearable. Furthermore, His mercy is profoundly demonstrated by His provision of salvation for Noah and his family, preserving a remnant through whom humanity could be re-established and His redemptive plan continued. This act of judgment is an expression of His righteous character, which ultimately serves His redemptive purposes, as seen in the subsequent covenant with Noah ([Genesis 9:1-17](/genesis/9-1-17 "Genesis 9:1-17 - God's Covenant with Noah")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 6:13, with its stark declaration of impending judgment and the subsequent provision of an ark for salvation, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself drew direct parallels between the [days of Noah and His own second coming](/matthew/24-37 "Matthew 24:37 - The Days of Noah and the Coming of the Son of Man"), warning that just as people were oblivious to the impending flood, so too will many be unprepared for His return and the final judgment. The ark, meticulously built by Noah in obedience to God's command, serves as a vivid type of Christ, who is the [sole means of salvation](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life") for a world under divine judgment. Just as Noah and his family found refuge and preservation in the ark from the destructive waters, so believers find refuge in Christ from the wrath of God against sin. The comprehensive judgment on "all flesh" in Noah's day points to the ultimate judgment on sin that was borne by Christ on the cross, offering a [way of escape for all who believe in Him](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ's Love and Sacrifice for Sinners"). Moreover, the Apostle Peter explicitly links the salvation through water in Noah's ark to the salvation we now receive through baptism, as an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ ([1 Peter 3:20-21](/1_peter/3-20-21 "1 Peter 3:20-21 - Baptism and Salvation Through Christ's Resurrection")). Thus, Noah's ark stands as a powerful prefigurement of Christ, the divine provision for salvation amidst the judgment of a sin-filled world.

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

Hosea 4:1

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because [there is] no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Hosea 4:2

By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

1 Peter 4:7

¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Ezekiel 7:2

Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.

Ezekiel 7:6

An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come.

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

2 Peter 3:12

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?