Genesis 7:21

KJV

¶ And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:

KJV (with Strong's)

And all flesh {H1320} died {H1478} that moved {H7430} upon the earth {H776}, both of fowl {H5775}, and of cattle {H929}, and of beast {H2416}, and of every creeping thing {H8318} that creepeth {H8317} upon the earth {H776}, and every man {H120}:

Complete Jewish Bible

All living beings that moved on the earth perished — birds, livestock, other animals, insects, and every human being,

Berean Standard Bible

And every living thing that moved upon the earth perished—birds, livestock, animals, every creature that swarms upon the earth, and all mankind.

American Standard Version

And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both birds, and cattle, and beasts, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 7:21 delivers a stark and comprehensive declaration of the Great Flood's devastating impact, proclaiming the death of "all flesh" that moved upon the earth—an exhaustive enumeration encompassing every fowl, cattle, wild beast, creeping thing, and human being—all life outside the divinely appointed refuge of Noah's Ark. This verse serves as the climactic and somber fulfillment of God's righteous judgment against a world steeped in pervasive wickedness, powerfully underscoring the absolute nature of divine wrath and the exclusive means of salvation provided by God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 7:21 is situated at the devastating climax of the flood narrative, following the forty days and nights of torrential rain and the subsequent rising of the waters. The preceding verses [Genesis 7:17-20](/genesis/7-17-20 "The waters prevailed and covered the earth") describe the escalating power of the floodwaters, which "prevailed exceedingly upon the earth" and covered "all the high hills that were under the whole heaven." This verse, therefore, functions as the grim summation and confirmation of the universal destruction that God had purposed, directly fulfilling the divine decree of judgment first announced in [Genesis 6:7](/genesis/6-7 "God's decision to blot out humanity"). It marks the moment when the earth was fully purged of its corrupt inhabitants, setting the stage for the waters to recede and a new beginning to emerge with Noah and his family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, where this narrative originated, frequently experienced localized floods, making the concept of a flood a familiar, albeit terrifying, natural phenomenon. However, the Genesis account transcends typical regional inundations by describing a global, cataclysmic event unlike any other. The emphasis on "all flesh" and the covering of "all the high hills" points to a scale far beyond local experience, reflecting a divine intervention rather than a mere natural disaster. Culturally, the narrative would have resonated with the pervasive understanding of divine judgment for human wrongdoing, a theme common in ancient cosmologies, yet Genesis uniquely ties this judgment to the specific moral corruption of humanity and God's covenantal faithfulness to Noah.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 7:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It is a profound demonstration of God's **sovereignty and power** over creation, revealing His capacity to both give and take life according to His righteous will. The verse underscores the **seriousness and pervasive nature of sin**, illustrating that human wickedness had reached a point where it grieved God's heart and necessitated a radical cleansing, as seen in [Genesis 6:5-6](/genesis/6-5-6 "God's sorrow over human wickedness"). Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **divine judgment and justice**, demonstrating that God is holy and will not tolerate unrighteousness indefinitely. Finally, by explicitly stating "all flesh died," it implicitly but powerfully emphasizes the theme of **salvation through divine provision**, as only those within the Ark—God's chosen means of preservation—survived this universal catastrophe, foreshadowing later concepts of exclusive salvation found in Christ (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** From H1320, this term refers to the living substance, body, or person. In Genesis 7:21, "all flesh" (כָּל־בָּשָׂר, _kol-bâsâr_) signifies the totality of animate, physical life. Its use here emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the destruction, encompassing every living creature with a physical body, thereby highlighting the universal scope of God's judgment against all life outside the Ark.
* **Died (Hebrew, _gâvaʻ'_):** From H1478, this primitive root means "to breathe out" or "expire." It denotes the cessation of life, the ultimate consequence of the Flood. The direct and unqualified statement that "all flesh died" underscores the finality and completeness of the judgment, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the fate of those outside God's provision.
* **Man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From H120, this term refers to a human being, either an individual or the species (mankind). The inclusion of "and every man" at the end of the detailed list is crucial. It specifies that humanity, the primary object of God's grief and judgment due to their pervasive wickedness (cf. [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "God saw that the wickedness of man was great")), was unequivocally included in the universal destruction, confirming the fulfillment of God's decree to blot out man from the face of the earth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all flesh died that moved upon the earth,"**: This opening clause establishes the universal scope of the judgment. "All flesh" (כָּל־בָּשָׂר, _kol-bâsâr_) is a comprehensive term, signifying every living, breathing creature. The phrase "that moved upon the earth" further specifies the targets of this judgment: all terrestrial, mobile life forms, explicitly excluding aquatic life which was not directly subject to the same means of destruction. This clause declares the complete and utter cessation of life for these creatures.
* **"both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast,"**: This segment begins a meticulous enumeration, breaking down "all flesh" into distinct categories. "Fowl" (עוֹף, _ʻôwph_) refers to birds, indicating that even creatures of the air were not exempt. "Cattle" (בְּהֵמָה, _bᵉhêmâh_) refers to domesticated or large quadrupeds, while "beast" (חַיָּה, _chayyah_) refers to wild animals. This detailed listing reinforces the comprehensive nature of the judgment, leaving no major category of land-dwelling animal life unmentioned.
* **"and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth,"**: This clause continues the enumeration, specifically mentioning "every creeping thing" (כָּל־שֶׁרֶץ הַשֹּׁרֵץ, _kol-sherets hash-shōrēts_). The repetition of the root "creep" (שָׁרַץ, _shârats_) emphasizes the lowliest and most numerous forms of life, from insects to reptiles. This inclusion further solidifies the idea that absolutely no category of land-dwelling life was spared, underscoring the totality of the destruction.
* **"and every man:"**: This final, climactic phrase explicitly includes humanity in the list of the deceased. The placement of "every man" (כָּל־הָאָדָם, _kol-hâʼâdâm_) at the end of the enumeration serves to highlight humanity's central role in precipitating the judgment (cf. [Genesis 6:5-7](/genesis/6-5-7 "God's grief and decision to destroy humanity")). It confirms that the judgment was not merely against the animal kingdom but primarily against the corrupt human race, fulfilling God's earlier pronouncement to blot out man.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 7:21 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the magnitude of the Flood's devastation. The most prominent is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**, where the verse meticulously lists various categories of creatures ("fowl," "cattle," "beast," "creeping thing," "man"). This exhaustive listing serves to emphasize the **Totality** and **Universality** of the destruction, leaving no ambiguity about the scope of the judgment. The phrase "all flesh" itself functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, underscoring the absolute comprehensiveness of the death toll. The **Repetition** of "upon the earth" further reinforces the terrestrial scope of the event. Implicitly, there is a strong **Contrast** between the death outside the Ark and the life preserved within it, highlighting the Ark's unique role as a symbol of divine salvation amidst widespread judgment. The stark, declarative tone of the verse also contributes to its impact, conveying the unyielding nature of God's righteous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 7:21 stands as a profound theological statement on God's character and His relationship with creation. It powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering justice and perfect holiness, revealing that He does not tolerate pervasive sin indefinitely. The widespread death serves as a stark reminder that the consequences of sin are dire and comprehensive, affecting not only humanity but all of creation. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, affirming Him as the Creator who sustains life and the righteous Judge who can, and will, bring judgment upon a rebellious world. It establishes a foundational biblical principle: God's judgment is real and comprehensive, but He also provides a way of escape for those who respond in faith and obedience to His divine provision.

* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The wages of sin is death")
* [Hebrews 11:7](/hebrews/11-7 "Noah, by faith, prepared an ark for the saving of his household")
* [2 Peter 2:5](/2_peter/2-5 "God preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought the flood upon the world of the ungodly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 7:21, though depicting a cataclysmic event from ancient history, carries timeless and profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a solemn reminder that sin is not a minor transgression but carries severe consequences, both individually and collectively, in the eyes of a holy God. This verse compels us to acknowledge God's perfect justice and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, affirming that while He is merciful and patient, He will ultimately judge unrighteousness. Just as Noah and his family found salvation and protection through their obedient trust in God's specific instructions for the Ark, we are called to trust and obey God's Word, finding our ultimate refuge and salvation in His divinely appointed plan. The comprehensive nature of the judgment should instill a healthy fear of God and a deep appreciation for the salvation He has provided.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universality of the judgment in Genesis 7:21 deepen your understanding of God's holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge modern complacency regarding the seriousness of sin?**
* **What parallels can be drawn between Noah's obedience in building the Ark and our response to God's warnings and provisions today?**

### FAQ
**Was the Flood truly global, or was it a localized event?**

Answer: The language of Genesis 7:21, particularly the phrase "all flesh died that moved upon the earth" coupled with the exhaustive list of creature types, strongly supports the interpretation of a global, universal flood. The preceding descriptions in [Genesis 7:19-20](/genesis/7-19-20 "The waters covered all the high hills and mountains") explicitly state that the waters "prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered." The consistent emphasis on totality and the comprehensive destruction of all land-dwelling, air-breathing life outside the Ark indicates a worldwide cataclysm, not a localized inundation. The biblical text presents this as a unique, global event of divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 7:21, in its depiction of universal judgment and the singular means of salvation, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Ark was God's sole provision for salvation from the Flood's judgment, Christ is God's singular and exclusive provision for salvation from the judgment of sin and eternal death. The comprehensive death of "all flesh" outside the Ark mirrors the universal condemnation that humanity faces due to sin, as declared in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"). Conversely, those who entered the Ark were saved, paralleling the salvation and new life found by those who, through faith, enter into Christ, who is the ultimate refuge and the ark of our salvation ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "Jesus is the door to salvation")). He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering life to all who believe, fulfilling the promise of eternal life found in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's love and salvation in Christ"). The Flood was a type of judgment from which only God's chosen vessel could save; Christ is the antitype, the ultimate deliverer from the coming judgment, offering eternal security to all who are "in Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "In Christ, we are a new creation")).

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 6:13

¶ And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

Genesis 7:4

For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.

Genesis 6:17

And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein [is] the breath of life, from under heaven; [and] every thing that [is] in the earth shall die.

Romans 8:20

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope,

Genesis 6:6

¶ And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

Genesis 6:7

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.

Hosea 4:3

Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.