Genesis 6:8

KJV

¶ But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Noah {H5146} found {H4672} grace {H2580} in the eyes {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Noach found grace in the sight of Adonai.

Berean Standard Bible

Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

American Standard Version

But Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 6:8 stands as a profound declaration of divine favor amidst pervasive human depravity. In a world consumed by wickedness, where God's heart was grieved to the point of judgment, this verse introduces Noah as the solitary recipient of God's unmerited grace. It marks a pivotal turning point in the biblical narrative, highlighting God's sovereign initiative to preserve a remnant and continue His redemptive plan despite humanity's rebellion and the impending global flood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a dramatic pivot within [Genesis chapter 6](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6 - The Flood Narrative Begins"). The preceding verses ([Genesis 6:1-7](/genesis/6-1-7 "Genesis 6:1-7 - The Escalation of Human Wickedness")) paint an exceedingly bleak picture of escalating human corruption, detailing how "the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" ([Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Genesis 6:5 - God's Grief Over Human Wickedness")). This profound depravity grieved God deeply, leading Him to declare His intention to blot out humanity from the face of the earth. Against this backdrop of universal condemnation and impending judgment, [Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Genesis 6:8 - Noah Finds Grace") introduces a singular exception, shifting the narrative focus from divine wrath to divine mercy, setting the stage for the [story of the Great Flood](/genesis/7-1 "Genesis 7:1 - God Commands Noah to Enter the Ark") and the preservation of life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The pre-Flood world, as depicted in Genesis, was characterized by an unprecedented level of moral decay and violence, a stark contrast to God's original good creation. The "sons of God" and "daughters of men" narrative in [Genesis 6:1-4](/genesis/6-1-4 "Genesis 6:1-4 - The Nephilim and Human Intermarriage") hints at a disruption of divine order and an increase in wickedness that permeated all aspects of human society. This widespread corruption was not merely isolated acts but a deep-seated inclination of the human heart, leading to a world "filled with violence" ([Genesis 6:11](/genesis/6-11 "Genesis 6:11 - The Earth Filled with Violence")). In this environment, Noah's standing as one who "found grace" was not merely a personal distinction but a profound act of divine intervention, preserving a lineage through which God's redemptive purposes could continue in a world that had become utterly unrighteous in His sight.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Genesis 6:8 - Noah Finds Grace") contributes significantly to several major theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine judgment** as a righteous response to pervasive sin, yet simultaneously introduces **divine grace** as God's sovereign prerogative to show mercy. Secondly, it establishes the **remnant motif**, where God preserves a faithful few amidst widespread apostasy, a pattern seen throughout biblical history (e.g., [God preserving a remnant of Israel](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - God Preserves a Remnant by Grace")). Thirdly, it underscores **God's sovereignty** over creation and history, demonstrating His ability to act decisively to both judge and save according to His perfect will. Finally, Noah's finding grace lays the **foundation for covenant**, setting the stage for the [Noahic Covenant in Genesis 9](/genesis/9 "Genesis 9 - The Noahic Covenant"), which establishes a new beginning for humanity and demonstrates God's enduring commitment to His creation despite human failure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **found (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies "to attain, i.e., find or acquire." In this context, it emphasizes that Noah did not *produce* or *earn* grace, but rather *received* or *encountered* it. It implies an active seeking or discovery on Noah's part, but more profoundly, it points to God's active presentation or bestowal of grace, which Noah then "found" or apprehended. It highlights the divine initiative in making grace available.
* **grace (Hebrew, _chên'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be gracious," this term denotes unmerited favor, kindness, or goodwill. It is a fundamental concept in biblical theology, signifying a benevolent regard shown by a superior to an inferior, entirely apart from the recipient's merit. In Noah's case, it means God looked upon him with a disposition of favor that was not earned by Noah's actions but freely given by God's sovereign choice.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It speaks of God's self-existence, eternality, and His covenant faithfulness. The use of "LORD" here emphasizes that it is the personal, relational God, the Creator and Covenant-Keeper, who extends this extraordinary grace to Noah, not some impersonal force. It underscores the intimate and sovereign nature of this divine act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Noah found grace":** The conjunction "But" is profoundly significant, acting as a stark literary and theological contrast to the preceding verses ([Genesis 6:1-7](/genesis/6-1-7 "Genesis 6:1-7 - The Escalation of Human Wickedness")) that describe humanity's universal wickedness and God's resolve to judge. It signals a dramatic shift from divine wrath to a specific, singular act of divine favor. "Noah found grace" indicates that grace was not something Noah earned or deserved, but something he received as a gift. While subsequent verses will describe Noah as a "just man" and "perfect in his generations" ([Genesis 6:9](/genesis/6-9 "Genesis 6:9 - Noah's Righteousness")), this verse explicitly states that his righteousness was a *consequence* of finding grace, not its *cause*. God's grace was the foundational act that enabled Noah to walk righteously in a corrupt world.
* **"in the eyes of the LORD":** This phrase emphasizes the personal, discerning nature of God's gaze. It signifies that God actively observed, evaluated, and chose Noah from among all humanity. This was not a random occurrence but a deliberate, sovereign act of God's will. The "eyes of the LORD" are often depicted in Scripture as seeing all things, discerning hearts and actions, whether for judgment (as when [the Lord looks upon the earth and sees its corruption](/genesis/6-12 "Genesis 6:12 - God Sees the Corrupt Earth")) or for favor. This intimate, personal recognition by God underscores that Noah's salvation was not accidental but divinely ordained, highlighting God's faithfulness to His overarching redemptive plan despite human failure.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, signaled by the opening conjunction "But." This immediately sets Noah apart from the pervasive wickedness described in the preceding verses, highlighting his unique standing before God. This contrast amplifies the profound nature of God's grace, as it is extended against a backdrop of universal condemnation. Another device is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "in the eyes of the LORD." Attributing "eyes" to God is a human way of describing God's personal observation, discernment, and benevolent regard. It conveys the intimacy and intentionality of God's choice without limiting God to human form. Finally, there is a subtle use of **Foreshadowing**, as Noah's singular act of finding grace anticipates the broader biblical theme of salvation by grace, culminating in the New Testament's revelation of Christ as the ultimate embodiment of God's unmerited favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 6:8 is a foundational statement about the nature of God's grace and His sovereign initiative in salvation. It powerfully illustrates that even in the darkest moments of human history, when judgment is imminent, God's character includes a profound capacity for unmerited favor. Noah's experience demonstrates that human salvation originates not from human merit or effort, but from God's free and deliberate choice to extend His kindness. This verse sets a crucial precedent for understanding God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture, emphasizing that His mercy is always an act of His own will, designed to preserve a remnant through whom His purposes will be fulfilled.

* [Exodus 33:17](/exodus/33-17 "Exodus 33:17 - Moses Finds Favor with God")
* [Romans 3:23-24](/romans/3-23-24 "Romans 3:23-24 - Justified Freely by Grace")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Genesis 6:8 - Noah Finds Grace") offers profound hope and a vital theological truth for all believers. It reminds us that even in a world seemingly overwhelmed by sin, despair, or impending judgment, God's grace remains accessible and powerful. Our standing with God is fundamentally rooted in His unmerited favor, not our own efforts, achievements, or inherent goodness. This truth should humble us, cultivate deep gratitude, and motivate us to respond to such magnificent grace with faith, obedience, and a life that honors the One who has extended such undeserved kindness. Just as Noah, by finding grace, was enabled to walk righteously and become an instrument of God's redemptive plan, so too are we called to live lives transformed by grace, becoming beacons of hope in a world still desperately in need of God's mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "unmerited grace" in Genesis 6:8 challenge our natural inclination to earn God's favor or rely on our own righteousness?**
* **In what ways does God's sovereign choice of Noah encourage us about His faithfulness and His ability to preserve a remnant even in the most challenging times?**
* **How can understanding that our salvation is rooted in God's grace, not our works, deepen our gratitude and motivate our obedience today?**

### FAQ
**Does "found grace" mean Noah earned God's favor?**

Answer: No, "found grace" means Noah was the recipient of God's unmerited favor. The Hebrew word for grace (_chên_) by definition refers to undeserved kindness or favor. While Noah is later described as a "just man" and "perfect in his generations" ([Genesis 6:9](/genesis/6-9 "Genesis 6:9 - Noah's Righteousness")), his righteousness was a *result* of God's enabling grace, not the *cause* of it. God's grace initiated the relationship and empowered Noah to live righteously.

**How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible's teaching on grace?**

Answer: This verse is foundational, establishing the principle that God initiates salvation through grace. It provides an early biblical example of God's sovereign choice to extend favor to an individual amidst widespread sin. This foreshadows the New Testament teaching that [all humanity needs God's grace because all have sinned](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23-24 explains that all have sinned and are justified freely by His grace"), and that salvation is ultimately by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, as articulated in passages like [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that salvation is a gift of God's grace").

**Why was Noah singled out?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state *why* Noah was chosen over others, but it emphasizes God's sovereign prerogative to extend grace. The preceding verses highlight the universal corruption of humanity, making Noah's distinction even more remarkable. Subsequent verses ([Genesis 6:9](/genesis/6-9 "Genesis 6:9 describes Noah's character")) describe Noah as a "just man" and "perfect in his generations" and one who "walked with God." While these characteristics likely flowed from God's enabling grace, they also indicate that Noah was a suitable vessel for God's redemptive plan, chosen by God's wisdom and sovereign will to preserve humanity and continue His covenant purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Genesis 6:8 - Noah Finds Grace") profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Noah found grace and became the means of salvation for humanity from a global judgment, building an ark as God commanded, so too is Jesus Christ the ultimate "ark" of salvation, the one in whom humanity finds God's ultimate grace and is delivered from the judgment of sin. Noah's deliverance through the ark, which floated upon the waters of judgment, is even seen by Peter as a type of baptism, symbolizing salvation through Christ's resurrection ([1 Peter 3:20-21](/1_peter/3-20-21 "1 Peter 3:20-21 - Noah's Salvation and Baptism")). Jesus Himself drew a parallel between the "days of Noah" and the "days of the Son of Man," emphasizing that just as people were oblivious to impending judgment until Noah entered the ark, so too will they be before His return ([Luke 17:26-27](/luke/17-26-27 "Luke 17:26-27 - Jesus Compares His Coming to the Days of Noah")). Christ is the full embodiment of God's grace, the One from whom we receive "grace for grace" ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - Receiving Grace Upon Grace from Christ")), providing the only way for humanity to find favor in the eyes of the LORD and escape 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 19:19

Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Luke 1:30

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

Psalms 84:11

For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Exodus 33:12

¶ And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.

Exodus 33:17

And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.