King James Version

What Does Genesis 6:13 Mean?

Genesis 6:13 in the King James Version says “And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and,...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. with the earth: or, from the earth”

Genesis 6:13 · KJV

Context

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. with the earth: or, from 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. rooms: Heb. nests

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.

Read Genesis 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violenc... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלֹהִ֜ים2 of 17

“And God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְנֹ֗חַ3 of 17

“unto Noah”

H5146

noach, the patriarch of the flood

קֵ֤ץ4 of 17

“The end”

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

כָּל5 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בָּשָׂר֙6 of 17

“of all flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

בָּ֣א7 of 17

“is come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם8 of 17

“before me”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כִּֽי9 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מָלְאָ֥ה10 of 17

“is filled with”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃11 of 17

“for the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

חָמָ֖ס12 of 17

“violence”

H2555

violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם13 of 17

“before me”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְהִנְנִ֥י14 of 17
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מַשְׁחִיתָ֖ם15 of 17

“and behold I will destroy”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

אֶת16 of 17

“them with”

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הָאָֽרֶץ׃17 of 17

“for the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 6:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 6:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 4:1-21 Peter 4:7Ezekiel 7:2-6Genesis 6:11-122 Peter 3:10-122 Peter 3:6-7

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