Genesis 6:5

KJV

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually.

KJV (with Strong's)

And GOD {H3068} saw {H7200} that the wickedness {H7451} of man {H120} was great {H7227} in the earth {H776}, and that every imagination {H3336} of the thoughts {H4284} of his heart {H3820} was only {H7535} evil {H7451} continually {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai saw that the people on earth were very wicked, that all the imaginings of their hearts were always of evil only.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 6:5 provides a profound and somber divine assessment of humanity's moral condition preceding the Great Flood. It reveals that the pervasive wickedness of humankind had reached an alarming degree, with every inclination and formulation of their innermost thoughts being exclusively and continuously evil. This verse serves as the critical theological justification for God's sorrowful decision to bring the cataclysmic judgment of the Flood, underscoring the radical depth of human depravity and the necessity of divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse appears at a critical turning point in the Genesis narrative, immediately preceding God's decision to destroy humanity by flood. Following the rapid multiplication of mankind after [the Fall in Eden](/genesis/3-6 "The Fall of Man in Genesis 3:6"), the preceding chapters (Genesis 4-5) detail the spread of humanity and the increasing corruption, marked by Cain's murder of Abel and the descent into violence and moral decay. The narrative in [Genesis 6:1-4](/genesis/6-1-4 "The Sons of God and Daughters of Men") introduces the mysterious union of "sons of God" and "daughters of men," resulting in the Nephilim, further highlighting the breakdown of boundaries and the intensification of wickedness. Genesis 6:5 then functions as the divine rationale, the ultimate diagnosis of humanity's spiritual sickness, which directly precipitates God's sorrowful decree in [Genesis 6:6-7](/genesis/6-6-7 "God's grief and decision to blot out man"). It sets the stage for the narrative of Noah and the Flood, establishing the dire need for judgment and subsequent re-creation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The pre-Flood world, as depicted in Genesis, was characterized by an explosion of human population and, concurrently, an escalation of moral corruption. While specific historical details outside the biblical text are scarce, the narrative implies a society that had completely abandoned the moral and ethical standards established by God. The mention of the "sons of God" and "daughters of men" in [Genesis 6:1-4](/genesis/6-1-4 "The Sons of God and Daughters of Men") suggests a period of profound spiritual and moral transgression, possibly involving angelic beings or powerful human rulers abusing their authority and intermarrying in ways that led to widespread unrighteousness. The cultural norms had devolved to a point where violence, injustice, and a complete disregard for divine order were rampant, creating an environment where "the earth was filled with violence" ([Genesis 6:11](/genesis/6-11 "The earth was filled with violence")). This pervasive evil was not confined to a particular region but had saturated the entire known world, necessitating a universal response from a just God.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 6:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **human depravity**, demonstrating the radical and pervasive impact of sin on every aspect of human nature—intellect, will, and emotion. It reveals that the problem of sin is not merely external acts but originates from the deepest core of the human heart, a truth echoed throughout Scripture, from [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "The deceitful heart in Jeremiah 17:9") to [Mark 7:21-23](/mark/7-21-23 "Jesus on what defiles a person"). Secondly, it highlights **God's omniscience and righteous judgment**, showing that God "sees" and perfectly comprehends the moral state of His creation, and His justice demands a response to unrepentant wickedness. This sets a precedent for divine judgment throughout biblical history. Lastly, it reinforces the theme of **divine sovereignty and the necessity of divine intervention**. The extreme nature of human wickedness depicted here makes it clear that humanity could not rescue itself, thus establishing the desperate need for God's initiative in both judgment and, ultimately, redemption, foreshadowing the covenant with Noah and later, the redemptive work of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **GOD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This term, specifically the Tetragrammaton YHWH, denotes the self-existent, eternal, covenant-keeping God. When the text states "And GOD saw," it emphasizes that the observation of human wickedness was not a mere glance but a profound, omniscient, and deliberate assessment by the sovereign Creator, the one who is intimately involved with His creation and holds all moral authority. His seeing is intrinsically linked to His righteous judgment and subsequent action.
* **imagination (Hebrew, _yêtser'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to form" or "to fashion," this word refers to the underlying inclination, the fundamental bent, or the very framework of human thought and purpose. It speaks to the deep-seated disposition and the inner formation of one's being. In this context, it signifies that the very core of human planning, devising, and desiring was inherently corrupted.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This term signifies moral badness, wickedness, or harm. It encompasses not just individual sinful acts but a deep, inherent corruption and deviation from God's created order and moral standards. The repetition of this word ("only evil continually") underscores the pervasive, absolute, and unceasing nature of humanity's moral decay.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth":** This opening clause establishes the divine perspective. "GOD" (YHWH) is the ultimate observer and judge. His "seeing" is an act of perfect omniscience, a penetrating gaze that discerns the true spiritual condition of humanity. The "wickedness of man" (Hebrew: *ra'ah 'adam*) refers to the pervasive moral corruption of humanity, indicating that sin was not isolated but had become widespread and deeply ingrained in society. The term "great" (*rab*) emphasizes the abundance and intensity of this evil, signifying that it had reached a critical mass, saturating "the earth" (*'erets*), meaning the entire human sphere of existence.
* **"and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually":** This second clause delves deeper, pinpointing the source and nature of the pervasive evil. "Every imagination" (*kol yêtser*) signifies the totality of human inclination, the very formation or bent of their inner being. This is further specified as "of the thoughts of his heart" (*machashavah lêb*), indicating that the problem originated not merely in outward actions but in the deepest wellspring of human identity—the core of one's intellect, will, and affections. The "heart" in Hebrew thought is the seat of the entire inner person, encompassing reasoning, planning, and desiring. The culminating phrase "only evil continually" (*raq ra' yôwm*) underscores the absolute, exclusive, and unceasing nature of this corruption. There was no redeeming quality, no mixed motives, no intermittent goodness; the fundamental disposition was perpetually and exclusively towards evil, emphasizing the totality of human depravity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme and pervasive nature of human wickedness. The phrase "every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was *only evil continually*" is an emphatic overstatement, not implying that literally every single thought of every single person was evil without exception (as Noah is presented as righteous in [Genesis 6:9](/genesis/6-9 "Noah, a righteous man")), but rather that the dominant, consistent, and overwhelming bent of humanity's collective heart was towards evil. This literary device powerfully conveys the radical depth of human depravity and the dire spiritual state that necessitated divine judgment. Additionally, **Anthropomorphism** is present in "And GOD saw," attributing a human sensory action (seeing) to God to convey His perfect knowledge and moral assessment of the situation, making His judgment comprehensible and relatable to human experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 6:5 is a foundational text for understanding the biblical doctrine of human sinfulness. It asserts that sin is not merely a collection of wrong actions but a deep-seated corruption of the human heart, affecting every aspect of one's being—intellect, will, and emotions. This radical depravity means that humanity, left to its own devices, is utterly incapable of pleasing God or choosing righteousness, thus highlighting the absolute necessity of divine grace and intervention for salvation. God's "seeing" underscores His omniscience and His righteous character, demonstrating that He is intimately aware of human sin and will justly respond to it. This verse sets the stage for the Flood as a divine act of judgment, but also implicitly for God's redemptive plan, as He must provide a way for humanity to be cleansed and renewed from this pervasive evil.

* [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10-12 "No one is righteous, no not one") – Paul's indictment of humanity, echoing the pervasive sinfulness seen in Genesis 6:5.
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "The deceitful heart in Jeremiah 17:9") – Describes the heart as "deceitful above all things, and desperately sick," aligning with the "only evil continually" assessment.
* [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "For out of the heart come evil thoughts") – Jesus' teaching on the heart as the source of evil thoughts and actions, confirming the Genesis 6:5 diagnosis.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 6:5 serves as a profound and sobering mirror, reflecting the enduring truth of the fallen human condition. It challenges us to look beyond outward morality and superficial appearances to the true state of our hearts, reminding us that God sees not just our actions but the very inclinations, intentions, and deepest desires of our thoughts. This profound insight should humble us, revealing our desperate need for God's transforming grace and prompting us to continually seek the renewal of our minds and hearts by His Holy Spirit. It calls us to acknowledge our inherent bent towards sin and to rely daily on Christ for cleansing and sanctification, understanding that true righteousness is a gift from God, not something we can achieve through our own efforts. This verse also underscores the seriousness of sin in God's eyes and His righteous response to it, urging us to take sin seriously in our own lives and to pursue holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Genesis 6:5 challenge my understanding of human nature and the depth of sin?**
* **In what ways might the "imagination of the thoughts of my heart" still be prone to evil, even as a believer?**
* **How does this verse highlight my desperate need for God's grace and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit?**
* **What practical steps can I take to allow God to continually examine and purify the intentions and thoughts of my heart?**

### FAQ
**What does "every imagination of the thoughts of his heart" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the radical extent of human depravity. "Imagination" (Hebrew: *yêtser*) refers to the underlying inclination, the very formation or bent of one's inner being—the fundamental disposition. "Thoughts of his heart" (Hebrew: *machashavah lêb*) encompasses all the plans, purposes, intentions, and desires originating from the deepest core of a person's being, which in Hebrew thought includes intellect, will, and emotions. So, it means that the fundamental disposition and every internal working of humanity's intellect, will, and affections were continuously directed towards evil. This points to a pervasive, innate corruption, not just occasional bad choices.

**Does "only evil continually" mean there was absolutely no good in anyone?**

Answer: While the phrase "only evil continually" (*raq ra' yôwm*) uses hyperbole to emphasize the dominant, consistent, and overwhelming inclination of humanity, it signifies that the overall bent and direction of humanity's heart was towards evil. It means that any sporadic good acts were insufficient to outweigh the deep-seated corruption or to please a holy God. The narrative itself presents Noah as an exception, a "righteous man, blameless in his generation," who "walked with God" ([Genesis 6:8-9](/genesis/6-8-9 "Noah found grace and was righteous")). This indicates that while the general human condition was utterly depraved, God's grace could still preserve a remnant.

**How does God "see" this wickedness?**

Answer: God's "seeing" in [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "God saw the wickedness of man") is not merely physical observation but an act of divine omniscience and moral assessment. It signifies His perfect knowledge of the innermost thoughts, intentions, and moral state of humanity. It demonstrates His absolute awareness of sin's depth and His righteous judgment against it. This "seeing" underscores His active engagement with His creation and His perfect understanding of its moral state, which serves as the basis for His subsequent actions, including the Flood. It is a seeing that leads to a profound grief and a just response ([Genesis 6:6](/genesis/6-6 "God grieved that He had made man")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 6:5 powerfully articulates the profound problem of human sin and depravity, a problem so deep that only a divine solution could address it. The declaration that "every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" points to the radical corruption of humanity's inner being, a condition that no human effort, law, or moral code could remedy. This verse thus sets the stage for the ultimate necessity of Christ, who is the perfect man, the uncorrupted humanity, and the one who perfectly fulfills God's righteous requirements. Jesus, through His sinless life, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and victorious resurrection, directly addresses this pervasive evil. He offers not merely forgiveness for sinful acts but a radical transformation of the very heart and mind that Genesis 6:5 identifies as corrupted. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, He provides a [new heart and a new spirit](/ezekiel/36-26 "Read about the new heart and spirit in Ezekiel 36:26"), enabling believers to walk in newness of life. His teachings consistently emphasize that sin originates from the heart (e.g., [Mark 7:20-23](/mark/7-20-23 "Jesus on what defiles a person")), and His redemptive work provides the only means by which humanity's deeply corrupted heart can be cleansed and transformed, leading to a new creation in Him (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation")). Christ is the ultimate answer to the problem of humanity's "only evil continually" heart, offering true spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God.

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

Matthew 15:19

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

Romans 1:28

And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Romans 1:31

Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Mark 7:21

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

Mark 7:23

All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Jeremiah 4:14

O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?

Ephesians 2:1

¶ And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;