Genesis 6:3

KJV

¶ And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also [is] flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559}, My spirit {H7307} shall not always {H5769} strive {H1777} with man {H120}, for that he also {H1571}{H7683} is flesh {H1320}: yet his days {H3117} shall be an hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai said, “My Spirit will not live in human beings forever, for they too are flesh; therefore their life span is to be 120 years.”

Berean Standard Bible

So the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said, My Spirit shall not strive with man for ever, for that he also is flesh: yet shall his days be a hundred and twenty years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 6:3 is a profound divine declaration marking a critical turning point in the antediluvian narrative. It conveys God's solemn decree that His Spirit will not perpetually contend with or restrain humanity, citing their pervasive corruption and identification with "flesh." This pronouncement, born of divine grief over escalating wickedness, is mercifully coupled with a specified period of 120 years, understood as a final season of grace and opportunity for repentance before the impending cataclysmic judgment of the Flood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned at a pivotal juncture in the book of Genesis, immediately following the unsettling account of the "sons of God" and "daughters of men" in [Genesis 6:1-2](/genesis/6-1-2 "The sons of God and daughters of men"). This preceding passage describes a deeply corrupted union that intensified human wickedness, leading to the birth of "Nephilim," further indicating a profound moral decline. Genesis 6:3 serves as God's grieving response to this escalating depravity, articulating His resolve to limit His direct engagement with a humanity that has become utterly "flesh." It sets the stage for the subsequent verses, which describe God's profound sorrow and regret over creating humanity ([Genesis 6:6](/genesis/6-6 "God's sorrow over human wickedness")), culminating in His decision to bring the global Flood as a judgment upon the earth ([Genesis 6:7](/genesis/6-7 "God's decision to destroy humanity")). Thus, Genesis 6:3 functions as a divine prelude to the coming judgment, explaining the theological rationale behind it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The pre-Flood world, as depicted in Genesis, was characterized by an unprecedented level of moral decay and violence. While specific historical and cultural details are sparse, the text implies a society that had completely abandoned divine standards, with "every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" ([Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "God saw the wickedness of man")). This suggests a pervasive cultural norm of self-gratification, rebellion against God, and disregard for human life. The concept of humanity becoming "flesh" points to a state where physical desires and carnal impulses completely dominated spiritual and moral considerations. Geographically, the narrative places this period before the global Flood, implying a widespread population across the then-known world, all of whom had succumbed to this profound corruption, making the divine judgment a global necessity rather than a localized event.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 6:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** as a righteous response to persistent human sin and rebellion. God's declaration reveals His holy character, which cannot indefinitely tolerate unbridled wickedness. Secondly, it highlights the profound theme of **Human Depravity**, demonstrating the extent to which humanity had fallen from its original created state, becoming utterly corrupted and defined by its "fleshly" nature, distinct from God's Spirit. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Patience and Longsuffering**, as the 120-year period represents a final, merciful opportunity for repentance before the execution of judgment, echoing God's character as "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([Psalm 145:8](/psalms/145-8 "The Lord is gracious and compassionate")). Finally, it implicitly reveals the **Role of the Spirit** in restraining evil and convicting humanity, suggesting that the withdrawal of this divine influence leads to catastrophic moral collapse.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the covenant name of God, Jehovah, signifying the self-existent, eternal, and personal God. Its use here emphasizes that this is a solemn, authoritative declaration from the sovereign Creator, not a mere human observation. It highlights the personal grief and righteous judgment of the God who entered into relationship with humanity.
* **spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** From H7307, this term refers to wind, breath, or, significantly, the Spirit of God. In this context, it denotes God's life-giving, restraining, and convicting influence. The declaration that His Spirit will "not always strive" implies a withdrawal or cessation of this divine interaction, which had previously served to guide, warn, and perhaps even indwell humanity, preventing them from falling into utter depravity.
* **strive (Hebrew, _dîyn'_):** From H1777, this primitive root means to judge, contend, or rule. In Genesis 6:3, it conveys the idea of God's Spirit contending with, restraining, or abiding within humanity. The cessation of this "striving" means God will no longer actively contend against human wickedness, allowing humanity to fully pursue its corrupt desires without divine restraint or intervention, leading to their deserved judgment.
* **flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** From H1320, this word primarily means "flesh" in a physical sense, but biblically, especially in this context, it signifies humanity's fallen, mortal, and sinful nature, which is inherently weak and opposed to God's Spirit. Here, it denotes a state of being utterly dominated by carnal desires and earthly inclinations, devoid of spiritual vitality or obedience, which had become the defining characteristic of humanity in the pre-Flood era.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man,"**: This opening clause marks a divine decree, indicating a change in God's interaction with humanity. The "LORD" (Yahweh) is the personal, covenant-making God, emphasizing the solemnity of this pronouncement. His "spirit" refers to His life-giving, restraining, and convicting presence. The phrase "shall not always strive" signifies a limit to God's patience and active engagement in contending with, restraining, or indwelling humanity. It implies a withdrawal of His powerful, life-sustaining influence, allowing humanity to fully reap the consequences of its chosen path of rebellion.
* **"for that he also [is] flesh:"**: This clause provides the divine rationale for the Spirit's withdrawal. The term "flesh" (Hebrew: _basar_) here extends beyond mere physicality to describe humanity's fallen, corrupt, and mortal nature, utterly dominated by carnal desires and inherently opposed to God's Spirit. The phrase "he also [is] flesh" underscores that humanity, despite being created in God's image, had become entirely defined by its sinful, earthly inclinations, making continued divine striving futile in the face of such pervasive rebellion.
* **"yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years."**: This concluding phrase, though seemingly a declaration of a new human lifespan, is widely interpreted as a period of divine grace and longsuffering before the impending judgment of the Flood. It represents a specific, limited timeframe—120 years—during which humanity would have a final opportunity for repentance. This period demonstrates God's persistent mercy, even in the face of profound wickedness, providing ample time for Noah to build the ark and preach righteousness, serving as a final warning.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in "the LORD said," attributing human speech to God, making His decree relatable and immediate. The phrase "My spirit shall not always strive with man" functions as a **Divine Decree**, a formal and authoritative pronouncement from God that sets a new course of action. The use of "flesh" as a descriptor for humanity is a powerful instance of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a part (physical flesh) stands for the whole (humanity's fallen, carnal nature), emphasizing their complete corruption. Finally, the 120-year period can be seen as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the impending judgment while simultaneously highlighting God's enduring **Patience** before its execution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 6:3 is a foundational text for understanding the dynamics of divine judgment and grace. It reveals God's profound grief over human sin and His righteous resolve to address it, while simultaneously demonstrating His longsuffering by providing a final period of grace. The verse highlights the inherent conflict between God's holy Spirit and humanity's fallen "flesh," underscoring the spiritual bankruptcy that results from persistent rebellion. It sets a precedent for understanding that while God is infinitely patient, there are limits to His tolerance for unrepentant wickedness, leading to the necessary execution of His just decrees.

* [Psalm 78:39](/psalms/78-39 "God remembered that they were but flesh") – This verse echoes the sentiment of humanity being "flesh," emphasizing their mortality and weakness, which God remembers even in His judgment.
* [Romans 8:8](/romans/8-8 "Those who are in the flesh cannot please God") – Paul's theological exposition on the "flesh" (Greek: _sarx_) directly parallels the Genesis concept, describing a state of spiritual inability and opposition to God.
* [1 Peter 3:20](/1_peter/3-20 "God's patience waited in the days of Noah") – This New Testament passage explicitly references God's patience during Noah's time, confirming the 120 years as a period of divine forbearance before judgment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 6:3 stands as a solemn warning and a profound invitation for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's patience, though vast, is not infinite. The Holy Spirit continues to "strive" with humanity today, convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, yet there is a danger in persistently resisting His voice. This verse calls us to a humble self-assessment, urging us to consider whether our lives are characterized by a yielding to the Spirit or a dominance of "fleshly" desires. It compels us to recognize the preciousness of the time God has given us, not to be squandered in rebellion, but to be embraced as an opportunity for repentance and faithful obedience. Understanding God's grief over sin in this passage should cultivate in us a deeper abhorrence for evil and a greater appreciation for His redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be resisting the Holy Spirit's "striving" or conviction in my own life?**
* **How does the concept of humanity being "flesh" in Genesis 6:3 inform my understanding of my own spiritual battles and need for God's grace?**
* **What does God's 120-year period of grace teach me about His character, and how should that shape my response to Him today?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading and avoid hardening my heart against His will?**

### FAQ

**What does "My spirit shall not always strive with man" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies that God's Spirit will not perpetually contend with, restrain, or indwell within humanity in their state of persistent rebellion. It implies a divine withdrawal of His life-giving and restraining influence, allowing humanity to fully descend into its chosen corruption and ultimately face the consequences of their unrepentant sin. It highlights a limit to God's active intervention in the face of unyielding human wickedness.

**What does "for that he also is flesh" imply about humanity?**

Answer: This clause emphasizes humanity's fallen, mortal, and sinful nature, which had become utterly corrupt and stood in opposition to the divine Spirit. It signifies a state of being completely dominated by earthly, carnal desires and impulses, rather than spiritual obedience or alignment with God's will. It describes a profound spiritual degeneration where humanity had become defined by its weakness and sinfulness, making them incapable of pleasing God in their own strength, as seen in [Romans 8:8](/romans/8-8 "Those who are in the flesh cannot please God").

**Is the "hundred and twenty years" a new human lifespan or a period of grace?**

Answer: While some have interpreted it as a new maximum human lifespan, the overwhelming consensus among biblical scholars is that it represents a specific period of grace—a final warning and opportunity for repentance—before the cataclysmic judgment of the Flood. This timeframe provided ample opportunity for Noah to build the ark and preach righteousness, demonstrating God's longsuffering before His righteous judgment was executed, as referenced in [1 Peter 3:20](/1_peter/3-20 "God's patience in Noah's day").

**Does God's Spirit still "strive" with humanity today?**

Answer: Yes, the Holy Spirit continues to actively work in the world today. Jesus promised that the Spirit would "convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment" ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "The Holy Spirit convicts the world")), drawing people to repentance and faith in Christ. While the specific context of Genesis 6:3 refers to a pre-Flood era, the principle remains: God's Spirit actively engages with humanity, calling them to Himself. However, persistent rejection of His conviction can lead to a hardening of hearts, making one less responsive to His divine call.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 6:3, though set in the ancient past, powerfully foreshadows the profound human need for divine intervention and the ultimate solution found in Jesus Christ. The Spirit's "striving" with a humanity consumed by "flesh" underscores the deep chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, a chasm that no human effort could bridge. This verse implicitly points to the necessity of a new creation, one not defined by corrupt "flesh" but by the life-giving power of the Spirit. This is precisely what Christ accomplishes: He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering forgiveness and reconciliation. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the means for humanity to be born again, not of "flesh and blood," but of the Spirit ([John 3:5-6](/john/3-5-6 "Born of water and the Spirit")), thereby overcoming the very "fleshly" nature that provoked God's judgment in Noah's day. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit, promised by Christ to believers ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "The Spirit of Truth will dwell with you")), transforms the heart, enabling believers to walk "not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Walk according to the Spirit")). Thus, Jesus is the ultimate ark of salvation, providing refuge from God's righteous judgment and enabling humanity to live in a new relationship with God, empowered by the very Spirit who once "strove" with humanity.

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

Nehemiah 9:30

Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.

Isaiah 63:10

But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, [and] he fought against them.

Jeremiah 11:11

¶ Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them.

1 Peter 3:18

¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

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.

Galatians 5:16

[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:24

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.