Genesis 6:17 - I, even I, do bring the flood of waters on this earth, to destroy all flesh having the breath of life from under the sky. Everything that is in the earth will die.
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What does "Genesis 6:17" mean?
This verse (Genesis 6:17) is a direct statement from God to Noah, outlining the impending cataclysmic event – the Great Flood. Let's break down its meaning:
"I, even I, do bring the flood of waters on this earth...": This emphasizes that the flood is not a natural event, but a direct action taken by God. The repetition ("I, even I") underscores God's absolute authority and intention to carry out this judgment.
"...to destroy all flesh having the breath of life from under the sky.": This clarifies the purpose of the flood: to eliminate all living creatures (animals and humans) from the face of the earth. The phrase "having the breath of life" encompasses all living beings, except for aquatic life, which can survive in water. "From under the sky" simply means everything that lives above ground.
"Everything that is in the earth will die.": This is a reiteration of the previous statement, emphasizing the total devastation that the flood will bring. It leaves no ambiguity that the judgment will be complete and widespread.
In essence, the verse means:
God is declaring that He will send a massive flood to destroy all land-dwelling life on Earth as a judgment against the wickedness and corruption of humanity (as described in the preceding verses). It sets the stage for Noah's Ark and the preservation of a remnant of life to repopulate the world after the flood subsides.
Key Interpretations and Theological Significance:
Divine Judgment: The verse highlights the concept of divine judgment against sin. The flood is seen as a consequence of humanity's moral corruption.
God's Sovereignty: It demonstrates God's absolute power and authority over creation. He has the right to judge and act according to His will.
Universal Impact: The scope of the flood is explicitly universal, affecting all living creatures on Earth.
The Necessity of Salvation: It underscores the need for salvation, as only Noah and his family, along with the animals on the Ark, were spared from the destruction.
Promise of Renewal: While a verse of destruction, it sets the stage for the renewed covenant God establishes with Noah after the flood, a promise never again to destroy all life in that manner.
This verse is a crucial part of the Noah's Ark narrative and holds significant theological weight in understanding God's relationship with humanity, sin, judgment, and ultimately, redemption.
Genesis 6:17 - I, even I, do bring the flood of waters on this earth, to destroy all flesh having the breath of life from under the sky. Everything that is in the earth will die.
What does "Genesis 6:17" mean?
This verse (Genesis 6:17) is a direct statement from God to Noah, outlining the impending cataclysmic event – the Great Flood. Let's break down its meaning:
"I, even I, do bring the flood of waters on this earth...": This emphasizes that the flood is not a natural event, but a direct action taken by God. The repetition ("I, even I") underscores God's absolute authority and intention to carry out this judgment.
"...to destroy all flesh having the breath of life from under the sky.": This clarifies the purpose of the flood: to eliminate all living creatures (animals and humans) from the face of the earth. The phrase "having the breath of life" encompasses all living beings, except for aquatic life, which can survive in water. "From under the sky" simply means everything that lives above ground.
"Everything that is in the earth will die.": This is a reiteration of the previous statement, emphasizing the total devastation that the flood will bring. It leaves no ambiguity that the judgment will be complete and widespread.
In essence, the verse means:
God is declaring that He will send a massive flood to destroy all land-dwelling life on Earth as a judgment against the wickedness and corruption of humanity (as described in the preceding verses). It sets the stage for Noah's Ark and the preservation of a remnant of life to repopulate the world after the flood subsides.
Key Interpretations and Theological Significance:
Divine Judgment: The verse highlights the concept of divine judgment against sin. The flood is seen as a consequence of humanity's moral corruption.
God's Sovereignty: It demonstrates God's absolute power and authority over creation. He has the right to judge and act according to His will.
Universal Impact: The scope of the flood is explicitly universal, affecting all living creatures on Earth.
The Necessity of Salvation: It underscores the need for salvation, as only Noah and his family, along with the animals on the Ark, were spared from the destruction.
Promise of Renewal: While a verse of destruction, it sets the stage for the renewed covenant God establishes with Noah after the flood, a promise never again to destroy all life in that manner.
This verse is a crucial part of the Noah's Ark narrative and holds significant theological weight in understanding God's relationship with humanity, sin, judgment, and ultimately, redemption.