Genesis 7:22

KJV

All in whose nostrils [was] the breath of life, of all that [was] in the dry [land], died.

KJV (with Strong's)

All in whose nostrils {H639} was the breath {H5397}{H7307} of life {H2416}, of all that was in the dry {H2724} land, died {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

everything in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life; whatever was on dry land died.

Berean Standard Bible

Of all that was on dry land, everything that had the breath of life in its nostrils died.

American Standard Version

all in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, of all that was on the dry land, died.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 7:22 delivers a stark and comprehensive declaration of the divine judgment enacted during the Great Flood, affirming that every land-dwelling creature possessing the breath of life, outside the ark's confines, unequivocally perished. This verse powerfully underscores the absolute nature of God's righteous wrath against a world utterly corrupted by sin, leaving no ambiguity regarding the totality of the destruction and the exclusive provision for salvation orchestrated by God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 7:22 is strategically placed within the climactic phase of the Flood narrative, serving as a solemn confirmation of God's earlier decree to destroy all life from the face of the earth. Preceding this verse, the narrative details the ark's construction, the entry of Noah's family and the animals, and the commencement of the forty days and nights of rain, culminating in the prevailing of the waters over the highest mountains. This verse, therefore, marks the grim fulfillment of God's judgment, occurring before the waters begin to recede and the ark comes to rest. It stands as a definitive statement of the judgment's efficacy, setting the stage for the subsequent account of the ark's preservation and the eventual re-establishment of life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Great Flood narrative, while unique in its biblical presentation, resonates with ancient Near Eastern flood accounts (e.g., the Epic of Gilgamesh, Atrahasis Epic), suggesting a widespread memory of a catastrophic deluge. However, the biblical account distinguishes itself by its explicit theological emphasis: the Flood is not a capricious act of deities but a righteous judgment by the one true God in response to profound human wickedness and violence (e.g., [Genesis 6:5-7](/genesis/6-5-7 "God's Grief and Decision to Flood the Earth")). The concept of a global catastrophe as divine punishment for sin was not alien to ancient thought, but Genesis frames it within a covenantal relationship, highlighting God's justice, holiness, and simultaneous commitment to preserve a righteous remnant. The "dry land" (יַבָּשָׁה, *yabbashah*) is contrasted with the chaotic waters, representing the sphere of human and animal life that God had originally ordered and now de-creates.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 7:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It is a profound testament to **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute dominion over creation, life, and death, as He who breathed life into creation now withdraws it. The verse also highlights the **Seriousness of Sin**, illustrating that unbridled human corruption and violence (as described in [Genesis 6:11-12](/genesis/6-11-12 "The Earth Corrupted by Violence in Genesis 6")) provoke a severe, global judgment from a holy God. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Judgment and Salvation**, starkly contrasting the universal death outside the ark with the unique preservation of Noah and his family within God's divinely appointed provision. This foreshadows the concept of an exclusive path to salvation, a theme that recurs throughout the biblical narrative, culminating in the person of Christ (e.g., [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Salvation in No Other Name")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 7:22 delivers a concise yet devastating statement about the outcome of the Great Flood, affirming the absolute nature of God's judgment. The phrase "All in whose nostrils [was] the breath of life, of all that [was] in the dry [land], died" leaves no room for ambiguity, declaring a complete eradication of terrestrial life.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nostrils (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** From H639, this word primarily refers to the nose or nostril, but can also denote the face or, by extension, a person. In this context, it specifically points to the physical organ through which the "breath of life" was received and sustained, emphasizing the biological locus of life that was extinguished. Its use here connects directly to the initial act of creation where God breathed into Adam's nostrils (e.g., [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "God Breathes Life into Adam")).
* **Breath (Hebrew, _nᵉshâmâh'_):** From H5397, this term signifies a puff, wind, or vital breath. It can also refer to divine inspiration or, concretely, an animal. Paired with "spirit" (H7307, _rûwach_), it denotes the very essence of animate existence, the life-giving force imparted by God. Its cessation signifies the termination of life.
* **Life (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From H2416, this word means "alive" and, as a noun, "life" or "living thing." It encompasses the full spectrum of animate existence, from raw flesh to living creatures. In Genesis 7:22, "breath of life" (נִשְׁמַת רוּחַ חַיִּים, *nishmat ruach chayyim*) refers to all living beings that possess this divine spark of animation, highlighting the comprehensive scope of the judgment on all terrestrial, air-breathing creatures.
* **Dry (Hebrew, _chârâbâh'_):** From H2724, this feminine noun denotes a desert or dry ground/land. Its inclusion specifies the domain of the judgment, clearly distinguishing between terrestrial life and aquatic life, which is notably absent from the scope of destruction mentioned here. It emphasizes the reversal of God's ordering of creation, where dry land emerged from the waters (e.g., [Genesis 1:9-10](/genesis/1-9-10 "Separation of Dry Land and Seas")).
* **Died (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From H4191, this primitive root means "to die" literally or figuratively, or causatively "to kill." The perfect tense verb *mûwth* (מָתוּ) here conveys a completed action with lasting results, emphasizing the absolute and irreversible nature of the judgment. It signifies the total cessation of life for all those described.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All in whose nostrils [was] the breath of life":** This clause precisely defines the category of creatures subject to the judgment. It refers to all terrestrial, air-breathing animals and humans, encompassing every living being that received the divine "breath of life" at creation (compare [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "God Breathes Life into Adam") for humanity and [Genesis 7:15](/genesis/7-15 "Creatures Entering the Ark") for animals). The phrase underscores that the judgment targets the very life force imparted by God, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over life and death.
* **"of all that [was] in the dry [land]":** This phrase further specifies the scope of the judgment, explicitly limiting it to creatures inhabiting the land. It excludes aquatic life, which, while affected by the flood, is not the direct focus of this particular statement of destruction. This distinction highlights the targeted nature of God's judgment on the corrupted terrestrial realm, where human wickedness had become pervasive.
* **"died":** The singular, stark verb "died" (מָתוּ, *matu*) powerfully conveys the totality and finality of the judgment. It was not a partial or selective destruction among land creatures; it encompassed every living being on dry land that possessed the breath of life. This demonstrates the severity of sin in God's sight and the far-reaching consequences of humanity's pervasive corruption and violence, leading to a comprehensive de-creation of the terrestrial world.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 7:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message. **Understatement** is evident in the concise declaration "died," which, despite its brevity, encapsulates a global catastrophe of immense proportions and unimaginable suffering. The simple verb choice intensifies the impact by presenting the outcome as an undeniable, unadorned fact. **Repetition** of the concept of "breath of life" (or similar phrasing) throughout the Flood narrative (e.g., [Genesis 6:17](/genesis/6-17 "God's Plan to Destroy All Life") and [Genesis 7:15](/genesis/7-15 "Creatures Entering the Ark")) serves to emphasize the divine origin of life and the deliberate nature of its withdrawal in judgment. The verse also functions as a powerful example of **Fulfillment**, as it marks the literal execution of God's earlier pronouncements of judgment against all flesh (e.g., [Genesis 6:7](/genesis/6-7 "God's Decision to Blot Out Humanity")). Finally, the verse's stark simplicity creates a sense of **Tragedy**, highlighting the profound loss of life and the devastating consequences of sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 7:22 stands as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and justice. It reveals that the Creator who breathed life into all creatures also possesses the ultimate authority to withdraw it, particularly in response to widespread rebellion and corruption. This act of de-creation underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and His unwavering commitment to holiness. The global scope of the judgment demonstrates that sin's defilement can permeate all of creation, necessitating a comprehensive divine response. Yet, even in this devastating judgment, the implicit theme of God's selective preservation (those in the ark) foreshadows His consistent pattern of providing a way of salvation amidst judgment throughout biblical history.

* [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "God's Power Over Life and Death")
* [Psalm 104:29-30](/psalms/104-29-30 "God's Breath Sustains and Renews Life")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin Is Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 7:22 serves as a sobering and timeless reminder of several profound truths that demand our reflection and application today. Firstly, it compels us to confront the absolute seriousness of sin. God does not take wickedness lightly; its consequences are severe, far-reaching, and impact not only humanity but all of creation. This should cultivate a deep reverence for God's holiness and a profound conviction regarding the destructive nature of sin in our own lives and in the world. Secondly, the verse underscores God's perfect justice. While He is merciful and patient, He is also righteous and will ultimately hold all accountable who reject His ways. This truth should inspire a healthy fear of the Lord and motivate us to live in alignment with His will. Finally, the stark contrast between those who perished and those preserved in the ark points to the critical need for salvation. Just as Noah found refuge in God's divinely provided ark, humanity today needs to find refuge in God's provided salvation through Christ. He is the ultimate ark of safety from divine judgment, offering deliverance from the spiritual death that sin brings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the totality of the judgment in Genesis 7:22 deepen your understanding of God's holiness and justice?**
* **What specific aspects of our current world might evoke God's grief and righteous judgment, similar to the pre-Flood era?**
* **In what ways does this verse highlight the exclusivity of God's provision for salvation, and how does that apply to your own faith journey?**

### FAQ
**Does Genesis 7:22 imply God is cruel for destroying all life?**

Answer: Genesis 7:22 describes the fulfillment of God's righteous judgment, not a capricious act of cruelty. The preceding chapters, particularly [Genesis 6:5-7](/genesis/6-5-7 "God's Grief and Decision to Flood the Earth"), detail the pervasive wickedness, violence, and corruption that filled the earth, leading God to grieve that He had made humanity. The destruction was a necessary act to cleanse the earth of overwhelming evil and preserve a righteous remnant (Noah and his family), demonstrating God's holiness and justice in the face of unrepentant sin. It highlights the severity of sin and God's absolute authority as Creator and Judge, who alone has the right to give and take life. This judgment was a divine act of de-creation, reversing the initial order to purify the earth for a new beginning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 7:22 describes a judgment of death, it implicitly sets the stage for a greater salvation found in Christ, serving as a profound Old Testament type. The ark, as the sole means of preservation from God's wrath, powerfully prefigures Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate refuge and means of salvation from the coming judgment for all who believe (e.g., [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Just as Noah and his family were safely carried through the waters of judgment, believers in Christ are safely carried through God's righteous wrath by virtue of His atoning sacrifice on the cross (e.g., [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Justification by Christ's Blood")). The universal death described in [Genesis 7:22](/genesis/7-22 "Genesis 7:22 - The Extent of the Flood's Destruction") foreshadows the spiritual death that sin brings upon all humanity (e.g., [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "All Have Sinned")), highlighting the desperate need for the spiritual life that Christ alone provides through His own death and resurrection (e.g., [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). He is the "last Adam" (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "Christ, the Last Adam")), bringing new life out of the death wrought by the first Adam's sin, and offering eternal deliverance from the consequences of sin's pervasive corruption.

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 2:7

And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

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.