Genesis 6:7

KJV

And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559}, I will destroy {H4229} man {H120} whom I have created {H1254} from the face {H6440} of the earth {H127}; both man {H120}, and {H5704} beast {H929}, and the creeping thing {H7431}, and the fowls {H5775} of the air {H8064}; for it repenteth {H5162} me that I have made {H6213} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai said, “I will wipe out humankind, whom I have created, from the whole earth; and not only human beings, but animals, creeping things and birds in the air; for I regret that I ever made them.”

Berean Standard Bible

So the LORD said, “I will blot out man, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—every man and beast and crawling creature and bird of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the ground; both man, and beast, and creeping things, and birds of the heavens; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 6:7 records the Lord's profound declaration of judgment, a solemn pronouncement born of divine grief over the pervasive wickedness that had corrupted His creation. It articulates His decisive intention to "destroy" humanity and all land-dwelling and aerial creatures from the face of the earth, signaling a pivotal moment that culminates in the cataclysmic flood and underscores the severe consequences of unbridled human depravity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic declaration of divine judgment, immediately following God's somber assessment of humanity's condition before the Great Flood. The preceding verses, particularly [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Genesis 6:5 - The Extent of Human Wickedness"), establish the dire spiritual state of humanity, noting that "every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." This widespread moral decay, which had escalated dramatically since the Fall, directly precipitates the Lord's sorrow and subsequent decision to intervene. The declaration in [Genesis 6:6](/genesis/6-6 "Genesis 6:6 - God's Grief Over Creation") that "it grieved him at his heart" provides the emotional backdrop for the resolute action articulated in verse 7, demonstrating that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a sorrowful necessity in response to humanity's persistent rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The antediluvian world, as depicted in Genesis, was characterized by an alarming increase in violence and corruption, a stark contrast to the harmonious creation described in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). While specific historical details outside the biblical narrative are scarce, the text implies a society that had completely abandoned divine order and moral boundaries. The "sons of God" taking "daughters of men" in [Genesis 6:1-4](/genesis/6-1-4 "Genesis 6:1-4 - The Sons of God and Daughters of Men") is often interpreted as a catalyst or symptom of this escalating depravity, leading to a pervasive corruption that left no space for righteousness. This period represents a pre-Mosaic understanding of sin and judgment, where God's direct intervention was the primary means of addressing profound moral breakdown, setting a precedent for future divine actions.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 6:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical theology as a whole. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, showcasing God's ultimate authority over His creation and His righteous response to sin. It also highlights the **Pervasiveness and Cosmic Impact of Sin**, demonstrating that human sin has far-reaching consequences, defiling not only humanity but also the entire created order, leading to a "groaning" that anticipates later biblical teachings (cf. [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans")). Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **Divine Grief and Repentance**, an anthropomorphic expression of God's deep sorrow over humanity's rebellion, which necessitates a radical act of judgment to preserve the possibility of a righteous remnant and a new beginning. This act of judgment, though severe, ultimately sets the stage for God's redemptive plan through Noah, foreshadowing a pattern of judgment and new creation seen throughout salvation history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 6:7 captures a moment of cosmic lament and divine resolve, as the Creator declares the undoing of His own handiwork due to humanity's profound rebellion. The Lord states, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth." The severity of this judgment is a stark testament to God's holiness and His inability to tolerate unbridled wickedness.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **destroy (Hebrew, _mâchâh'_):** From H4229, this primitive root means "to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e. grease or make fat; also to touch, i.e. reach to." In this context, it powerfully conveys the idea of wiping out, blotting out, or obliterating, much like erasing writing from a tablet or wiping a dish clean. It signifies a complete removal, not merely a reduction in population, emphasizing the utter abhorrence God has for the sin that had permeated every facet of human existence.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From H120, this term refers to a human being, encompassing both the individual and the species, mankind. Its root, `adam`, relates to "ruddy" or "red," connecting humanity to the "soil" (`ʼădâmâh`, H127) from which they were formed. The use of `ʼâdâm` here underscores that the judgment is directed at the very essence of humanity, the created beings who were given dominion but chose corruption.
* **repenteth (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** From H5162, this primitive root means "to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavorably) to avenge (oneself)." When applied to God, as here, it is a profound anthropomorphism. It does not imply a change of mind in the human sense of imperfection, regret over a mistake, or a deviation from His perfect character (cf. [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")). Rather, it signifies a deep sorrow, grief, or a change in His disposition and course of action toward His creation due to their choices. This divine grief underscores the gravity of sin and the pain it inflicts upon the heart of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine origin and authority of the declaration. It is not a human lament or a natural phenomenon, but a direct, intentional pronouncement from `Yᵉhôvâh` (H3068), the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. This highlights the solemnity and certainty of what is to follow.
* **"I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth;"**: This clause reveals the specific target and scope of God's judgment. The Creator, who brought humanity into existence, now declares His intention to "blot out" that very creation. The phrase "from the face of the earth" emphasizes a comprehensive removal, signifying that humanity's presence, having become utterly corrupt, would no longer be tolerated upon the ground they were meant to steward righteously.
* **"both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air;"**: This expands the scope of judgment beyond humanity to include all land-dwelling animals and birds. This comprehensive judgment illustrates the deep interconnectedness of creation and the devastating ripple effect of human sin. Humanity, appointed as stewards of the earth in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Dominion Mandate"), had instead corrupted it, and thus the entire earthly realm groaned under the weight of their fall.
* **"for it repenteth me that I have made them."**: This concluding clause provides the profound theological rationale for God's drastic action. The "repentance" of God, as discussed in the Key Word Analysis, signifies His deep sorrow and grief over the pervasive wickedness of His creation. It is not an admission of error, but an expression of divine anguish and a necessary shift in His disposition and action in response to humanity's persistent and radical rebellion against His perfect will. This grief underscores the moral gravity of sin and the pain it causes the Creator.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 6:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "it repenteth me." By attributing human emotions like "grief" and "repentance" to God, the text makes the divine experience relatable and emphasizes God's profound emotional investment in His creation and His anguish over sin, without compromising His immutable nature. This device allows humanity to grasp the depth of God's sorrow. The verse also employs **Hyperbole** or **Totalizing Language** in its description of destruction, encompassing "man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air." While the flood did not literally destroy *every* single creature (as Noah preserved some), the language conveys the absolute and comprehensive nature of God's judgment on the *entire* corrupted order, underscoring the severity of sin's impact. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as this initial act of cosmic judgment and cleansing sets a pattern for future divine interventions against sin, culminating in the ultimate judgment and new creation promised in eschatological texts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 6:7 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute holiness and His righteous judgment against sin, demonstrating that He cannot indefinitely tolerate unbridled wickedness. It reveals a God who is deeply grieved by humanity's rebellion, yet resolute in His justice, necessitating a radical intervention to preserve the possibility of righteousness and a pathway for a new beginning.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God's Immutability") - This verse clarifies that God is not a man that He should lie or *repent* in the sense of changing His mind due to imperfection, affirming His unchanging nature despite the anthropomorphic language used in Genesis 6:7.
* [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans Under Sin") - This New Testament passage echoes the cosmic impact of sin seen in Genesis 6:7, stating that "the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now," highlighting the far-reaching consequences of human sin on the created order.
* [2 Peter 3:5-7](/2_peter/3-5-7 "2 Peter 3:5-7 - God's Past and Future Judgment") - Peter explicitly references the flood as a historical precedent for God's future judgment, linking the destruction of the old world by water to the future destruction by fire, underscoring the consistency of God's righteous judgment against ungodliness.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 6:7 serves as a profound and sobering reminder of the devastating seriousness of sin and its comprehensive consequences. It challenges us to recognize that our choices have ripple effects far beyond ourselves, impacting the world around us and, most significantly, the heart of God. Rather than viewing God's judgment as arbitrary or capricious, we are compelled to understand it as a righteous, sorrowful, and necessary response born of His perfect character and His deep anguish over humanity's persistent turning away from Him. This understanding should cultivate within us a profound reverence for God's holiness and a deep conviction regarding the gravity of our own sin. It calls us to examine our hearts, confess our failings, and actively pursue holiness, living in a manner that honors our Creator and aligns with His righteous will. The divine grief expressed in this verse should motivate us to avoid anything that would cause such pain to our loving God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's "repentance" in Genesis 6:7 deepen your understanding of His character, particularly His holiness and His emotional investment in creation?**
* **In what ways do you see the "cosmic impact of sin" (the effect on the broader creation) playing out in our world today, and what is our responsibility as stewards?**
* **What personal sins or societal trends might be causing God grief today, and how should this verse motivate us to respond?**
* **How does the severity of God's judgment in this passage underscore the magnitude of His grace and mercy offered through Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "it repenteth me" mean when applied to God?**

Answer: When the Bible states that God "repents" (Hebrew: *nacham*), it employs an **anthropomorphism**, a literary device where human characteristics or emotions are attributed to God to help us comprehend His actions and feelings. It does not imply that God made a mistake, changed His mind in a way that suggests imperfection, or deviated from His perfect, immutable nature (as affirmed in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")). Instead, it conveys His profound sorrow, grief, and anguish over humanity's pervasive sin and rebellion. This divine grief leads to a change in His disposition and a necessary shift in His course of action towards His creation, not a change in His eternal character or perfect plan. It underscores the depth of His emotional investment and the pain that human sin inflicts upon His holy heart.

**Why did the animals also have to be destroyed if only humans sinned?**

Answer: The destruction of animals alongside humanity highlights the profound **interconnectedness of all creation** with humanity, particularly in the biblical worldview. When humanity, appointed as the primary stewards and vice-regents over the earth in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Cultural Mandate"), corrupted themselves through sin, their rebellion defiled the very realm they were meant to govern righteously. The entire created order suffered the consequences of human sin, leading to a "groaning" (cf. [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation's Groaning")) that necessitated a comprehensive judgment. This demonstrates the cosmic impact of sin and God's holistic judgment on a world utterly defiled by human wickedness, showing that sin's effects are not limited to the individual sinner but permeate and corrupt the entire environment.

**Does this verse imply that God's plan failed or that He was surprised by human sin?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God's overarching plan failed or that He was surprised by human sin. God is omniscient, knowing all things past, present, and future, and He is sovereign, meaning He is in ultimate control. His "repentance" is not a reaction to an unforeseen event or a flaw in His design. Rather, it is a demonstration of His righteous grief and a necessary, intentional step within His overarching, eternal plan to deal with sin and ultimately bring about redemption. It reflects His active and just response to human free will and rebellion, demonstrating that while He permits human choices, He will ultimately hold humanity accountable and work all things according to His perfect will, even using judgment to clear the way for His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 6:7, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment and the necessity for a radical cleansing due to pervasive sin, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate solution to humanity's sin problem found exclusively in Jesus Christ. The "destroying" of the old creation by water points to the necessity of a new creation, not merely physical but spiritual, which is inaugurated through Christ's redemptive work. While the flood cleansed the earth physically, it did not eradicate the root of sin from the human heart. The need for a complete spiritual renewal, a new birth, is met only in Christ, who offers a way to be [born again](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Jesus on Being Born Again") by the Spirit, transforming the inner person. Furthermore, just as God poured out His righteous judgment on the pre-flood world because of sin, so too did Christ, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bear the full weight of divine judgment for sin on the cross. His substitutionary sacrifice provides the means for humanity to escape the ultimate destruction and enter into a new covenant, offering a pathway to reconciliation with God and the promise of a [new heaven and a new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth") where righteousness dwells, a fulfillment far beyond the temporary cleansing of the flood.

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

Zephaniah 1:3

I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD.

Psalms 37:20

But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD [shall be] as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

Romans 3:20

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:22

Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Proverbs 10:27

¶ The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

Proverbs 16:4

¶ The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Psalms 24:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The earth [is] the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.