King James Version

What Does Genesis 6:17 Mean?

Genesis 6:17 in the King James Version says “And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 6:17 · KJV

Context

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.

Read Genesis 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is ... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַֽאֲנִ֗י1 of 21

“I”

H589

i

הִנְנִי֩2 of 21

“And behold”

H2009

lo!

מֵבִ֨יא3 of 21

“even I do bring”

H935

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

אֶת4 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמַּבּ֥וּל5 of 21

“a flood”

H3999

a deluge

מַ֙יִם֙6 of 21

“of waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

עַל7 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בָּאָ֖רֶץ8 of 21

“that is in the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְשַׁחֵ֣ת9 of 21

“to destroy”

H7843

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

כֹּ֥ל10 of 21

“and every thing”

H3605

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

בָּשָׂ֗ר11 of 21

“all flesh”

H1320

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

אֲשֶׁר12 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בּוֹ֙13 of 21
H0
ר֣וּחַ14 of 21

“wherein is the breath”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

חַיִּ֔ים15 of 21

“of life”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

מִתַּ֖חַת16 of 21

“from under”

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם17 of 21

“heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

כֹּ֥ל18 of 21

“and every thing”

H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר19 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּאָ֖רֶץ20 of 21

“that is in the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִגְוָֽע׃21 of 21

“shall die”

H1478

to breathe out, i.e., (by implication) expire

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 6:17 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 6:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 2:5Genesis 7:4Genesis 7:21-23Hebrews 11:7Psalms 107:341 Peter 3:20

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