1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
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.
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
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.
14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
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.
18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.
19 And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.
20 Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.
21 And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.
22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
Genesis Chapter 6 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Genesis, as it marks a significant turning point in the narrative of the Bible. This chapter focuses on the events leading up to the great flood, which is a major event in the Old Testament and has significant implications for Christians. In this chapter, we see the corruption and wickedness of humanity, the introduction of the Nephilim, and God's decision to destroy the earth with a flood. Through this chapter, we can gain insight into the nature of God, the consequences of sin, and the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God.
The chapter begins by describing the state of humanity at this time. It says that "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). This paints a bleak picture of the state of humanity, as it suggests that every person was consumed by sin and evil. This is a direct result of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, as sin entered the world and corrupted all of creation.
The wickedness of humanity is further emphasized in verse 11, which says that "the earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence." This shows that not only were people committing evil acts, but they were also living in a state of chaos and violence. This is a stark contrast to the perfect and harmonious world that God had created in the beginning. It is a clear indication of the devastating effects of sin and disobedience to God's commands.
In verse 4, we are introduced to a group of beings called the Nephilim. These are described as the "mighty men which were of old, men of renown." There is much debate and speculation about the identity and nature of the Nephilim, but it is generally believed that they were a race of giants who were the offspring of the sons of God and the daughters of men. Some interpret this to mean that these were fallen angels who had relations with human women, while others believe that they were simply powerful and influential rulers or leaders.
Regardless of their exact identity, the presence of the Nephilim is significant in this chapter as it further demonstrates the corruption and wickedness of humanity. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The Nephilim were a result of the mixing of the divine and the human, which was not part of God's plan for creation. This further highlights the importance of following God's will and not giving in to our own desires and temptations.
In response to the wickedness and corruption of humanity, God makes the decision to destroy the earth with a flood. This is a drastic and devastating punishment, but it is also a necessary one. God cannot allow sin and evil to continue to run rampant in the world, and so He decides to start over with a new creation.
However, it is important to note that God does not make this decision lightly. In verse 6, it says that "it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart." This shows that God is deeply saddened by the state of humanity and the need for such drastic measures. It also demonstrates the depth of God's love and compassion for His creation, even in the face of their disobedience and sin.
God's decision to destroy the earth also serves as a warning to us. It shows that there are consequences for our actions and that God will not tolerate sin and evil forever. It is a reminder to us to turn away from our sinful ways and to seek forgiveness and redemption through God's grace.
Amidst all the wickedness and corruption, there is one man who stands out as righteous in the eyes of God - Noah. In verse 9, it says that "Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God." This is a significant statement, as it shows that even in the midst of a sinful and corrupt world, it is possible to live a life of righteousness and obedience to God.
Noah's faithfulness and obedience to God are further demonstrated in his actions. God commands him to build an ark to save himself, his family, and a pair of every kind of animal from the flood. Despite the ridicule and doubt from others, Noah follows God's instructions and completes the ark. This is a testament to his faith and trust in God, even in the face of seemingly impossible tasks.
Through Noah, we can see the importance of living a life of faith and obedience to God. It is possible to remain faithful to God even in the midst of a sinful and corrupt world. Noah's story serves as an inspiration and a reminder to us to stay true to our faith and to trust in God's plan, even when it may seem difficult or impossible.
So, what is the significance of Genesis Chapter 6 for Christians? This chapter holds several important lessons and themes that are relevant to our lives as believers.
Firstly, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin. The wickedness and corruption of humanity in this chapter show us the devastating effects of sin and disobedience to God's commands. It is a warning to us to turn away from our sinful ways and to seek forgiveness and redemption through Jesus Christ.
Secondly, it highlights the importance of faith and obedience to God. Noah's story shows us that it is possible to remain faithful and obedient to God even in the face of great challenges and opposition. It is a reminder to us to trust in God's plan and to follow His will, even when it may seem difficult or impossible.
Lastly, this chapter also reveals the nature of God. We see His love and compassion for His creation, even in the face of their disobedience and sin. We also see His justice and righteousness in His decision to punish the wickedness of humanity. This chapter shows us that God is a just and loving God, and that He desires for us to live in obedience and righteousness.
In conclusion, Genesis Chapter 6 is a significant chapter in the Bible that holds many important lessons and themes for Christians. It shows us the consequences of sin, the importance of faith and obedience to God, and the nature of God Himself. Through this chapter, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's plan for humanity and the importance of living a life of righteousness and obedience to Him. It serves as a reminder to us to turn away from our sinful ways and to seek forgiveness and redemption through Jesus Christ.
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