Genesis Chapter 6 — Noah and the Great Flood
As humanity grows and becomes increasingly corrupt, God decides to cleanse the earth with a flood but spares Noah, instructing him to build a massive ark.
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Notable Verses
Genesis 6:8
“But Noah found favor in the LORD’s eyes.”
This verse marks a pivotal shift from the narrative of judgment to the theme of grace and preservation.
Genesis 6:9
“Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. Noah walked with God.”
This verse defines Noah's character and explains why he was chosen to lead the survival of humanity.
Genesis 6:22
“Thus Noah did. He did all that God commanded him.”
It emphasizes the theme of total obedience to divine instructions despite the monumental task of building the ark.
Chapter Summary
Genesis Chapter 6 opens with the multiplication of humanity and the appearance of the Nephilim, described as mighty men of renown. However, the text highlights a dark turn as the wickedness of man becomes great on the earth, with every thought of the human heart being continually evil. Grieved by this corruption and violence, God decides to destroy all living creatures from the surface of the ground. Amidst this generation, Noah is identified as a righteous and blameless man who walked with God. Finding favor in God's eyes, Noah receives specific instructions to build a massive ship, or ark, out of gopher wood. The ark is to have three levels, a side door, and specific dimensions to accommodate Noah's family and pairs of every living creature. God promises to establish a covenant with Noah, ensuring the preservation of life through the coming flood. The chapter concludes by noting Noah's complete obedience to all of God's commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Nephilim are described as giants or 'mighty men of old' who were on the earth during the time when the 'sons of God' had children with the 'daughters of men.'
The text states that the earth was filled with violence and corruption, and that the wickedness of humanity had become so great that every imagination of their thoughts was only evil.
God instructed Noah to build the ark 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. It was to have three levels and be finished with pitch inside and out.
Noah was commanded to bring his family (eight people in total) and two of every kind of living thing—male and female—along with enough food for everyone.
Study Note
The Hebrew term for the 'ark' (tebah) is the same word used later in Exodus for the basket that saved Moses, suggesting a recurring theme of salvation through water.
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