Genesis 6:13-14
And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "with the earth" doesn't mean the planet itself is being obliterated, but rather that the destruction will be so complete, it will encompass everything on the earth, fundamentally changing its very constitution. This emphasizes that the judgment isn't just on humanity but on the entire created order implicated by their pervasive violence.
God reveals His devastating plan to Noah, explaining that the pervasive violence and corruption of humanity have reached a breaking point. This divine pronouncement comes after a description of extreme wickedness, the mixing of divine lineage with humans, and God's deep sorrow over creation. Immediately following this declaration, God instructs Noah to build an ark, setting the stage for the great flood and the preservation of life.
God looks down and sees something so pervasive, so destructive, that it warrants the end of everything. What was it about this 'violence' that so moved God?
The verse highlights 'violence' as the reason for God's drastic judgment. This isn't just about physical aggression, but a deeper corruption that permeated society.
A Corrupted Foundation
Calvin points out that this violence stemmed from a fundamental corruption of the heart. It wasn't just outward actions, but the 'imagination of the thoughts of his heart' that was continually evil. When the very core of human thinking is bent on destruction and harm towards others, the foundation of society crumbles.
The Earth Groans
The commentaries note that 'the earth is filled with violence through them' implies the earth itself, the very ground, was groaning under the weight of human sin. This violence wasn't confined to a few individuals but had become the defining characteristic of the era, affecting every aspect of life.
God's words to Noah are stark and final. What does this reveal about the nature of divine judgment and His resolve?
The phrase 'The end of all flesh is come before me' is a powerful declaration of God's unwavering decision. It signals that the time for repentance has passed, and judgment is now inevitable.
A Final Decree
Commentaries emphasize that this statement isn't a mere observation, but a final decree. God has seen humanity's pervasive violence and corruption, and His mind is set. This isn't a reluctant or hasty decision, but one made after observing the deep-seated sinfulness of mankind. 'It is come before me' suggests it's now fully in God's sight and purpose, ready for execution.
Destroyed 'With the Earth'
The phrase 'destroy them with the earth' is particularly striking. It implies a comprehensive judgment that affects not just humanity but the very fabric of the world they inhabited. This wasn't just a selective punishment, but a resetting of the world, a consequence that involved the entire creation because of humanity's pervasive corruption.
Understand the original words
Noach · Hebrew Proper Noun
A righteous man of faith chosen by God to preserve life through the flood; his name is often associated with 'rest' or 'comfort'.
tebah · Hebrew Noun
A vessel of deliverance built according to divine instructions; it serves as a symbol of salvation and protection from divine judgment.
kopher · Hebrew Noun
A substance used for waterproofing; metaphorically, it is associated with atonement, as the Hebrew word for 'cover' (kaphar) shares the same root as the word for 'pitch' (kopher).
This verse occurs at the absolute nadir of human history, where systemic violence and corruption have reached such a peak that God's judgment is not only decreed but imminent, marking a decisive turning point from potential repentance to absolute destruction.
Unknown, predates Noah
Widespread Human Corruption
Mankind, descended from Seth, intermingled with the lineage of Cain and others, leading to a pervasive moral decay, violence, and disregard for God's ways.
Unknown, predates Noah
Rise of Violent 'Giants'
Powerful and arrogant individuals, possibly through intermingling of lineages or simply by corrupted human nature, oppressed others and brought further violence and terror to the earth.
During Noah's lifetime
God's Spirit Strives
God's Spirit contended with humanity's obstinate wickedness, offering a period of grace and warning, but this striving was met with continued rebellion.
During Noah's lifetime— this verse
God Decrees Judgment
Seeing that humanity's corruption was beyond remedy and their hearts were fully set on evil, God determined to bring an end to all living things on Earth.
This passage describes how humanity's rejection of God led to a pervasive wickedness and moral decay, mirroring the conditions that brought about the flood. It highlights the consequences of a 'futile' or 'debased' mind, which is consistent with the 'every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually' in Genesis 6:5.
2 Peter 2:4-6Peter directly references the flood narrative, comparing the judgment on the ungodly angels and the ancient world to the coming judgment on mockers. This passage reinforces the theme of divine judgment against pervasive wickedness and the preservation of the righteous.
Luke 17:26-27Jesus uses the days of Noah as a parallel to the days before His return, emphasizing how ordinary life continued without regard for the impending judgment. This highlights the normalcy and unsuspecting nature of the world before the flood, even as violence and corruption filled the earth.
Hebrews 11:7This verse specifically mentions Noah's faith in preparing the ark in response to a divine warning about something not yet seen. It underscores Noah's obedience in the face of overwhelming societal norms and the incomprehensible threat of divine judgment.
Genesis 19:24-25calvinGenesis 6:1-22: "And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,"
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.
Gigantes fuerunt in terra in diebus illis: et etiam postquam ingressi sunt filii Dei ad filias hominum, genuerunt eis: isti sunt potentes, qui a saec…
pooleGenesis 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."
i.e. The time of ruin, as this word is used, Ezekiel 7:2-3, Ezekiel 7:6, Amos 8:2 , of all flesh, to all men, as Genesis 6:12 , though the beasts also were involved in the same destruction, is come, i.e. is approaching, and at the very door, and shall as certainly come as if it were actually come. Before me, i.e. in…
The phrase "with the earth" doesn't mean the planet itself is being obliterated, but rather that the destruction will be so complete, it will encompass everything on the earth, fundamentally changing its very constitution. This emphasizes that the judgment isn't just on humanity but on the entire created order implicated by their pervasive violence.
God reveals His devastating plan to Noah, explaining that the pervasive violence and corruption of humanity have reached a breaking point. This divine pronouncement comes after a description of extreme wickedness, the mixing of divine lineage with humans, and God's deep sorrow over creation. Immediately following this declaration, God instructs Noah to build an ark, setting the stage for the great flood and the preservation of life.
God reveals His devastating plan to Noah, explaining that the pervasive violence and corruption of humanity have reached a breaking point. This divine pronouncement comes after a description of extreme wickedness, the mixing of divine lineage with humans, and God's deep sorrow over creation. Immediately following this declaration, God instructs Noah to build an ark, setting the stage for the great flood and the preservation of life.
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During Noah's lifetime
Noah's Ark Construction Begins
God instructs Noah, a righteous man, to build a massive ark as a means of preservation for him, his family, and pairs of every living creature.
This passage describes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire and brimstone, another instance of God's judgment on widespread wickedness and violence. It serves as a later example of God's justice against societies that have become utterly corrupt.
"And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it…" — The phrase "with the earth" doesn't mean the planet itself is being obliterated, but rather that the destruction will be so complete, it will encompass everything on the earth, fundamentally changing…
