Genesis 6:17

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.

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}.

“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.

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.

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

Genesis 6:17 serves as a pivotal declaration from God to Noah, revealing the imminent and devastating global judgment of the Flood. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His righteous response to the pervasive wickedness that had corrupted the earth.

Context

This powerful statement comes after God observes the profound and unceasing evil of humanity, described in Genesis 6:5, which grieved Him deeply. The decision to destroy all life on earth was not impulsive but a divine response to a world utterly steeped in corruption and violence. Noah, however, found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8) and was chosen to preserve life and a righteous lineage. Verse 17 is God's direct pronouncement to Noah, detailing the scope and severity of the impending cataclysm, for which Noah was instructed to build the ark.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse unequivocally states God's intention to bring a destructive flood, highlighting His holy character and His just response to sin. This is a clear demonstration that God is not indifferent to human wickedness.
  • God's Sovereignty: The emphatic "I, even I, do bring a flood" underscores God's supreme authority and active involvement in the affairs of creation. He is the initiator and executor of this judgment, demonstrating His absolute control over life and death.
  • The Seriousness of Sin: The universal scope of the destruction ("all flesh," "every thing that is in the earth shall die") vividly illustrates the depth of humanity's corruption and the severe consequences of rebellion against God's moral order.
  • Reversal of Creation: By destroying "all flesh, wherein is the breath of life," God effectively reverses the life-giving act of creation, bringing an end to the corrupted world and preparing for a new beginning through Noah and his family.

Linguistic Insights

  • "I, even I" (אָנֹכִי אָנֹכִי - anokhi anokhi): This powerful repetition in the Hebrew original emphasizes God's personal resolve and undeniable agency. It's a declaration of divine certainty and unchallengeable authority, ensuring there's no doubt about the source of the coming judgment.
  • "breath of life" (נִשְׁמַת חַיִּים - nishmat chayyim): This phrase is significant, as it echoes Genesis 2:7, where God breathed life into Adam. Its use here signifies that the very life principle imparted by God would be withdrawn from the corrupted creation, leading to universal death.
  • "destroy all flesh" (לְשַׁחֵת כָּל־בָּשָׂר - l'shacheth kol-basar): The Hebrew word for "destroy" (shachath) carries connotations of corrupting, ruining, or bringing to ruin. In this context, it signifies a complete and utter annihilation of life, save for those preserved by God's specific command.

Practical Application

Genesis 6:17 serves as a profound reminder of several enduring truths:

  • God's Holiness and Justice: It affirms that God is holy and righteous, and He will ultimately judge sin. While His patience is great, His justice is certain.
  • Consequence of Sin: The Flood narrative is a stark warning about the destructive power of widespread moral decay and rebellion against divine standards. It underscores that actions have consequences, both individually and corporately.
  • Sovereignty in Judgment and Salvation: Even in severe judgment, God's sovereign plan unfolds. He not only orchestrates destruction but also provides a means of salvation for those who walk in righteousness, as seen in Noah's preservation (1 Peter 3:20).
  • Call to Obedience: Noah's subsequent obedience to God's detailed instructions for building the ark (Genesis 6:22) stands as a testament to faith and trust in God's word, even when faced with an unprecedented and seemingly impossible task.
  • Forecasting Future Judgment: The Bible often references the Flood as a historical precedent for future divine judgment, particularly concerning the second coming of Christ, as mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 24:37-39.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 7:4 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    ¶ 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 (8 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 11:7 (6 votes)

    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.