Genesis 6:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold {H2009}, I {H589}, even I, do bring {H935} a flood {H3999} of waters {H4325} upon the earth {H776}, to destroy {H7843} all flesh {H1320}, wherein is the breath {H7307} of life {H2416}, from under {H8478} heaven {H8064}; and every thing {H3605} that is in the earth {H776} shall die {H1478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Then I myself will bring the flood of water over the earth to destroy from under heaven every living thing that breathes; everything on earth will be destroyed.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 6:17 presents God's solemn and emphatic declaration to Noah, announcing His imminent and universal judgment upon all land-dwelling, air-breathing life on earth through a cataclysmic flood. This pivotal verse underscores the profound severity of human sin and God's righteous resolve to cleanse a world utterly corrupted by wickedness, marking a decisive moment of divine justice that paves the way for a new beginning for humanity and creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This divine pronouncement functions as the climactic declaration of judgment within the pre-Flood narrative, immediately following God's profound grief and resolve to "blot out" humanity due to their pervasive wickedness. [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "The Depth of Human Wickedness") states that "every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time," leading to God's sorrow and decision in [Genesis 6:6-7](/genesis/6-6-7 "God's Grief and Resolve to Blot Out Humanity"). However, the narrative pivots with the crucial statement that Noah "found grace in the eyes of the Lord" ([Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Noah Finds Grace")). Verse 17 is God's direct, detailed communication to Noah, specifying the scope and nature of the impending cataclysm for which Noah has been commanded to build the ark ([Genesis 6:13-16](/genesis/6-13-16 "God's Command to Noah to Build the Ark")). It sets the stage for the global deluge described in [Genesis 7](/genesis/7 "The Flood Narrative").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a great flood is not unique to the biblical narrative, with similar accounts found in ancient Near Eastern literature, such as the Sumerian King List, the Atrahasis Epic, and the Epic of Gilgamesh. However, the biblical account of the Flood in [Genesis 6-9](/genesis/6-9 "The Flood Narrative in Genesis") stands apart by emphasizing the moral and theological reasons for the judgment. Unlike polytheistic myths where floods are often capricious acts of quarreling deities, the Genesis Flood is presented as a righteous, deliberate act of the one sovereign God in response to humanity's pervasive moral corruption and violence ([Genesis 6:11-12](/genesis/6-11-12 "Earth Corrupted and Filled with Violence")). The pre-Flood world, as depicted in Genesis, was characterized by an extreme proliferation of evil, necessitating a divine intervention to preserve the possibility of a righteous remnant and a new start.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 6:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over creation and His active role in executing justice against sin. It underscores the **Gravity and Pervasiveness of Sin**, revealing that unchecked human wickedness leads to cosmic disorder and necessitates a radical divine response. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Judgment as a Prelude to New Creation and Covenant**, as the Flood, while destructive, clears the way for a renewed earth and a covenant with Noah, foreshadowing God's pattern of preserving a remnant and initiating new beginnings after judgment, as seen later in the Abrahamic covenant in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "The Abrahamic Covenant") and beyond.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mabbûwl (Hebrew, _mabbûwl'_):** This word, translated "flood," specifically refers to the unique, divinely sent deluge of Noah's time. Unlike ordinary floods, `mabbûwl` denotes a cataclysmic, universal event of judgment. Its use here emphasizes the extraordinary nature and unprecedented scale of the impending disaster, distinguishing it from any natural phenomenon. It signifies a divine act of overwhelming destruction.
* **shâchath (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** Translated "destroy," this verb carries a strong sense of corruption, ruin, and bringing to utter desolation. It implies not just physical destruction but also the undoing or marring of something previously whole or good. In this context, it highlights that God's judgment is a response to the profound moral corruption of "all flesh," aiming to utterly ruin and remove that which has been defiled.
* **rûwach (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** Translated "breath" in "breath of life," this word encompasses "wind," "breath," and "spirit." Here, it refers to the vital life principle, the very essence of animation that God imparted at creation. Its presence signifies life, and its withdrawal signifies death. The phrase "breath of life" (combining `rûwach` with `chay`, "life") underscores that the life being destroyed is that which God Himself originally bestowed, emphasizing His sovereign right to both give and take away life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine speaker and His absolute agency. The emphatic repetition, "I, even I" (Hebrew: `ʼănîy ʼănîy`), powerfully conveys God's personal, unwavering resolve and unchallengeable authority in initiating this cataclysm. This is not a passive observation or a delegated task, but a direct, sovereign act of the Creator. The "flood of waters" (`mabbûwl mayim`) is presented not as a natural disaster but as a divinely orchestrated instrument of judgment, signifying God's direct intervention in human history to address the profound moral decay that had engulfed the world.
* **"to destroy all flesh, wherein [is] the breath of life, from under heaven":** This segment articulates the explicit purpose and comprehensive scope of the judgment. "To destroy" (`l'shacheth`) emphasizes the complete ruin intended. "All flesh" (`kôl bâsâr`) signifies every living creature, including humans and land animals, highlighting the universality of the judgment. The phrase "wherein is the breath of life" (`rûwach chay`) is profoundly significant, echoing God's original act of creation in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "God Breathing Life into Adam"), where He breathed the breath of life into Adam, making him a living being. Its use here signifies a reversal of creation, a withdrawal of the very life principle God had imparted. The phrase "from under heaven" further underscores the global, comprehensive reach of this destruction, leaving no place untouched.
* **"and every thing that [is] in the earth shall die":** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the universal scope and ultimate consequence of the judgment. "Every thing that is in the earth" (`kôl ʼerets`) serves as a comprehensive summary, leaving no ambiguity about the totality of the impending death. The verb "shall die" (`gâvaʻ`) confirms the cessation of all life for those not preserved in the ark, emphasizing the finality and severity of God's righteous judgment against a world deeply steeped in violence and spiritual rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 6:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most striking is **Emphasis** through repetition, specifically the emphatic "I, even I," which underscores God's personal agency, sovereign power, and unwavering resolve in executing judgment. This repetition leaves no doubt about the divine origin and certainty of the Flood. **Hyperbole** or **Totality** is evident in phrases like "all flesh" and "every thing that is in the earth," which convey the comprehensive and universal nature of the destruction, emphasizing that no life outside of God's specific provision would be spared. The phrase "breath of life" functions as a powerful instance of **Allusion** and **Reversal of Creation**, directly recalling God's original life-giving act in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "God's Creation of Adam"), thereby highlighting that God is sovereignly withdrawing the very life He once imparted. Finally, the verse employs **Anthropomorphism** in portraying God as actively "bringing" the flood, emphasizing His direct and intentional involvement in the unfolding events, rather than a passive or distant deity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 6:17 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. The emphatic "I, even I" leaves no doubt that the Flood is a deliberate act of divine judgment, not a random natural disaster. This verse unequivocally asserts God's authority over life and death, demonstrating that His holiness demands a response to pervasive sin. It highlights the profound consequences of human rebellion, illustrating that sin, when left unchecked, leads to cosmic disorder and divine wrath, necessitating a radical cleansing. Yet, within this declaration of judgment, the broader narrative implicitly points to God's concurrent plan for salvation through Noah, foreshadowing His consistent pattern of preserving a remnant and offering a path to new life even amidst deserved destruction.

* [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "God's Sovereignty Over Life and Death")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin is Death")
* [2 Peter 2:5](/2_peter/2-5 "God Did Not Spare the Ancient World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 6:17 serves as a profound and sobering reminder of God's holy character and the absolute certainty of His justice. It challenges us to take sin seriously, recognizing that God is not indifferent to wickedness and that consequences, both individual and corporate, are inevitable. This verse also encourages a deep reverence for God's sovereignty, reminding us that He is actively involved in the affairs of His creation, bringing both judgment and, as the broader narrative shows, salvation for those who walk in His ways. It prompts us to consider the depth of our own sin and the desperate need for God's grace, which alone can provide refuge from His righteous wrath. Ultimately, it calls us to live lives of obedience and righteousness, aligning ourselves with God's perfect will and finding our security in His divine provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's emphatic declaration, "I, even I," impact your understanding of His sovereignty and active involvement in the world?**
* **Considering the pervasive wickedness that necessitated the Flood, what does this verse teach us about the gravity of sin and its far-reaching consequences?**
* **How does the concept of God withdrawing the "breath of life" from creation deepen your appreciation for life as a divine gift?**
* **In what ways does this account of judgment challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and mercy?**

### FAQ

**Does "all flesh" literally mean every living creature on earth?**

Answer: Yes, the text indicates a universal destruction of all land-dwelling, air-breathing life, except for those preserved by God's specific command within the ark. This includes humans, land animals, and birds. Marine life is generally understood to have survived, as the judgment was a flood, not a drying up of waters, and they are not described as having the "breath of life" in the same manner as land creatures in the creation account.

**Why was such a drastic measure like a global flood necessary?**

Answer: The Bible describes humanity's wickedness as "great in the earth" and that "every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" ([Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "The Depth of Human Wickedness")). The earth was also "filled with violence" ([Genesis 6:11](/genesis/6-11 "Earth Filled with Violence")). The Flood was God's righteous response to this pervasive, unrepentant corruption, a necessary act of divine justice to cleanse the earth and preserve a righteous remnant through Noah, thereby allowing for a new beginning.

**Does God still judge humanity in such a comprehensive way today?**

Answer: While God promised never to destroy the earth again by a flood ([Genesis 9:11](/genesis/9-11 "God's Covenant with Noah")), the Bible clearly teaches that there will be a future, final judgment of all humanity. This ultimate judgment will not be by water, but by fire ([2 Peter 3:7](/2_peter/3-7 "The Heavens and Earth Reserved for Fire")). The Flood serves as a historical precedent and a prophetic type, illustrating God's ultimate justice and His sovereign prerogative to judge sin, as Jesus Himself alluded to in [Matthew 24:37-39](/matthew/24-37-39 "Jesus' Words on the Days of Noah").

**What is the significance of "the breath of life" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "breath of life" (`rûwach chay`) directly links back to God's original act of creation in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "God Breathing Life into Adam"), where He breathed life into Adam, making him a living being. Its use in [Genesis 6:17](/genesis/6-17 "God's Declaration of the Flood") highlights that God is withdrawing the very life He imparted. This signifies a profound reversal of creation, emphasizing that life itself is a gift from God, and He has the sovereign right to both give and take it away, especially in response to profound sin and rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 6:17, with its declaration of universal judgment and the divine provision of an ark for salvation, powerfully foreshadows the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Flood narrative highlights humanity's desperate need for salvation from divine wrath, a need that no human effort or animal sacrifice could truly meet. Just as Noah and his family found refuge and salvation *through* the waters of judgment in the ark, believers today find salvation *through* Christ, who bore the full judgment for sin on the cross. The ark, a divine provision for salvation in the midst of judgment, is a profound type of Christ, our ultimate refuge and means of deliverance. Peter explicitly links the salvation through water in Noah's time to Christian baptism, which is a symbol of the salvation we receive through [the resurrection of Jesus Christ](/1_peter/3-20-21 "Salvation Through Water and Christ's Resurrection in 1 Peter 3:20-21"). Christ's atoning work fulfills the need for a perfect sacrifice that appeases God's wrath, offering not just escape from judgment but a new creation and eternal life to all who believe. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the ultimate means by which humanity can be reconciled to a holy God and avert the final, eternal judgment.

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 7:4

For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.

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;

Genesis 7:21

¶ And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:

Genesis 7:23

And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained [alive], and they that [were] with him in the ark.

1 Peter 3:20

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

Psalms 107:34

A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

Hebrews 11:7

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.