Genesis 7:1

KJV

¶ And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Noah {H5146}, Come {H935} thou and all thy house {H1004} into the ark {H8392}; for thee have I seen {H7200} righteous {H6662} before me {H6440} in this {H2088} generation {H1755}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai said to Noach, “Come into the ark, you and all your household; for I have seen that you alone in this generation are righteous before me.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 7:1 records the pivotal divine command for Noah and his entire household to enter the ark, signaling the imminent commencement of God's cataclysmic judgment upon a world steeped in corruption. This verse powerfully underscores God's sovereign initiative in salvation, His profound discernment of Noah's unique righteousness in a depraved age, and His gracious provision of refuge for those found faithful amidst widespread wickedness, thereby preserving a remnant for the continuation of His redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 7:1 immediately follows the detailed instructions for the ark's construction and the divine covenant established with Noah in [Genesis 6](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6 - The Corruption of Humanity and God's Covenant with Noah"). The preceding chapters, particularly [Genesis 6:5-12](/genesis/6-5-12 "Genesis 6:5-12 - The Extent of Human Wickedness"), paint a grim picture of humanity's pervasive wickedness, violence, and moral decay, which grieved the LORD and led to His decision to destroy all living things from the face of the earth. Noah, however, is singled out as one who "found grace in the eyes of the LORD" ([Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Genesis 6:8 - Noah Finds Grace")), having walked with God and demonstrated obedience by building the ark according to divine specifications. Thus, Genesis 7:1 marks the culmination of God's preparatory commands and the direct prelude to the flood itself, shifting the narrative from preparation to execution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The pre-flood world, as depicted in Genesis, was characterized by an unprecedented level of moral corruption and violence, described as "great" and "continually evil" in [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Genesis 6:5 - The Wickedness of Man"). This context highlights the profound uniqueness of Noah's character. In a society where uprightness was virtually nonexistent, Noah's "righteousness" stood in stark contrast to the prevailing norms. The concept of a "generation" (*dôwr*) here emphasizes a distinct period of time and a specific cohort of people, underscoring the universal depravity of that particular era. The ark itself, while a physical vessel, would have been an extraordinary and perhaps ridiculed sight in its time, demanding immense faith and obedience from Noah and his family in a world that likely scoffed at such a divine warning.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It exemplifies **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, as God actively intervenes to judge sin and cleanse His creation. Simultaneously, it showcases **Divine Grace and Salvation**, providing a means of escape for Noah and his family. The theme of **Righteousness by Faith** is paramount, as Noah's uprightness is explicitly stated as the basis for his preservation, foreshadowing the concept of justification by faith seen throughout Scripture (e.g., [Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Romans 4:3 - Abraham's Faith Accounted as Righteousness")). Furthermore, the preservation of Noah's family establishes the **Principle of the Remnant**, a recurring motif of God preserving a faithful few through whom His redemptive plan continues, as seen in later biblical history (e.g., [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, "the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This emphasizes the personal, covenantal God of Israel, who is unchanging and sovereign. It is not merely a generic deity but the specific God who interacts with humanity, makes promises, and executes judgment. His direct address to Noah highlights His active involvement and authority.
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** From H6662, "just; just, lawful, righteous (man)." This term signifies Noah's moral integrity and his adherence to God's standards. It implies a right standing and a life lived in conformity with divine will, distinguishing him sharply from the corrupt "generation" around him. Noah's righteousness was not absolute perfection but a genuine uprightness and faithfulness in God's eyes.
* **generation (Hebrew, _dôwr'_):** From H1755, "a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling." This word describes the specific era and the people living within it. Its use here underscores the unique and pervasive wickedness of Noah's contemporaries, making his righteousness all the more remarkable and divinely recognized. It highlights the stark contrast between Noah's character and the universal depravity that necessitated the flood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark;"**: This opening clause reveals God's direct, personal, and authoritative command to Noah. The imperative "Come" is an invitation of salvation, not merely a directive, offering a secure refuge from the impending destruction. The inclusion of "all thy house" (family) demonstrates God's gracious extension of salvation beyond Noah himself, encompassing his immediate kin, highlighting the principle of corporate blessing through the head of the household. The "ark" is presented as the divinely appointed and sole means of preservation.
* **"for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation."**: This second clause provides the explicit divine justification for Noah's selection and the salvation of his family. God's declaration, "for thee have I seen righteous," emphasizes His perfect discernment and knowledge of Noah's character. The phrase "before me" signifies that Noah's righteousness was not merely a human assessment but a divinely recognized and approved quality, directly observed and affirmed by God Himself. The concluding phrase "in this generation" contextualizes Noah's righteousness, highlighting its exceptional nature against the backdrop of unparalleled global depravity, making his distinctiveness all the more significant.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 7:1 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Speech**, where God directly addresses Noah, emphasizing His active role, sovereignty, and the personal nature of His relationship with His chosen servant. This direct address lends immense authority and urgency to the command. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** evident in the verse: Noah's singular righteousness stands in stark opposition to the universal wickedness of "this generation," highlighting his unique status and God's selective grace. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing** and **Typology**, as the ark, God's provision for salvation from judgment, serves as a type for future divine interventions and ultimately for the ultimate salvation found in Christ. The concept of a righteous remnant being preserved amidst widespread destruction also sets a pattern for later biblical narratives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 7:1 is a profound theological statement on God's character and His interaction with humanity. It reveals a God who is both just in His judgment of sin and merciful in His provision of salvation. Noah's righteousness, divinely recognized and affirmed, underscores that God sees and responds to human faithfulness, even amidst widespread apostasy. This is not a righteousness earned by perfect performance, but a genuine uprightness and obedience born of faith, a concept foundational to biblical theology. The preservation of Noah's family through the ark also establishes a critical precedent for God's covenantal faithfulness, demonstrating His commitment to His redemptive plan through a chosen lineage, ensuring the continuation of humanity and the eventual fulfillment of His promises. The narrative powerfully illustrates that salvation is ultimately God's initiative, a gracious act extended to those who, like Noah, walk in faith and obedience.

* [Hebrews 11:7](/hebrews/11-7 "Hebrews 11:7 - Noah's Faith and Righteousness")
* [2 Peter 2:5](/2_peter/2-5 "2 Peter 2:5 - Noah, a Preacher of Righteousness")
* [Matthew 24:37-39](/matthew/24-37-39 "Matthew 24:37-39 - The Days of Noah as a Sign")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 7:1 serves as both a solemn warning and a comforting assurance for believers today. Noah's example challenges us to cultivate a genuine, God-honoring righteousness that stands in stark contrast to the prevailing moral currents of our own "generation." In a world that often disregards divine standards, we are called to live distinctly, marked by integrity, obedience, and an unwavering faith in God's word. Just as Noah responded promptly and obediently to God's call to enter the ark, we are likewise called to trust in God's appointed means of salvation and diligently follow His commands. This verse reassures us that God sees, knows, and acknowledges those who earnestly seek to please Him, offering refuge and preservation in the midst of a world facing ultimate judgment. It invites us to consider our own standing "before Him" and to respond with faithful obedience to His gracious invitations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my life demonstrate a distinct "righteousness" in contrast to the prevailing culture around me?**
* **How readily do I respond to God's commands, even when they seem counter-cultural or demand significant personal sacrifice?**
* **What "ark" or refuge has God provided for me, and am I fully "in" it, trusting in His provision for salvation and protection?**
* **How does the concept of God "seeing" my righteousness motivate or challenge my daily walk with Him?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that Noah was "righteous before me in this generation"?**

Answer: It signifies that Noah lived in a right relationship with God, characterized by moral integrity, obedience, and faith, in stark contrast to the pervasive wickedness and violence of his contemporaries. His life aligned with God's standards and was pleasing in God's sight, making him uniquely distinct in that particular era. This was a divinely recognized uprightness, not merely a human assessment.

**Was Noah's righteousness perfect or sinless?**

Answer: No, Noah was not sinless in an absolute sense, as all humanity is fallen and prone to sin ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). His righteousness was a relative uprightness and faithfulness in comparison to his generation, a genuine commitment to God that God Himself recognized and honored. It was a righteousness of faith, as later affirmed in [Hebrews 11:7](/hebrews/11-7 "Hebrews 11:7 - Noah's Faith"), rather than a righteousness based on perfect performance.

**Why did God save Noah's entire household?**

Answer: God saved Noah's entire household as an act of His grace and covenant faithfulness. While Noah was singled out for his personal righteousness, God's provision extended to his family, demonstrating the principle that the faith and obedience of a household head can bring blessing and protection to the entire family unit. This also ensured the continuation of humanity through a righteous lineage, fulfilling God's broader redemptive plan for creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 7:1, with its divine call to "come... into the ark" for salvation from impending judgment, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate refuge and salvation provided in Jesus Christ. Just as the ark was God's divinely appointed and sole means of preservation from the flood, Christ is God's divinely appointed and sole means of salvation from the judgment of sin and eternal death ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Noah's righteousness, which made him a recipient of grace and a vessel of salvation for his family, points to the perfect, imputed righteousness of Christ, which is freely given to all who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). The gracious invitation to "come" into the ark parallels the Gospel's universal invitation to "come" to Christ for eternal life, finding shelter, forgiveness, and new life in Him who is the true Ark of salvation for all generations ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Labor")). In Christ, the promise of preservation from judgment is perfectly fulfilled, not through a temporary vessel, but through an eternal relationship with the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of 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 24:37

But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Matthew 24:39

And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

2 Peter 2:5

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;

2 Peter 2:9

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Genesis 6:9

These [are] the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man [and] perfect in his generations, [and] Noah walked with God.

Genesis 7:13

¶ In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark;

Hebrews 11:7

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.