King James Version

What Does Genesis 6:5 Mean?

Genesis 6:5 in the King James Version says “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart w...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. every: or, the whole imagination: the Hebrew word signifieth not only the imagination, but also the purposes and desires continually: Heb. every day”

Genesis 6:5 · KJV

Context

3

And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh : yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

4

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.

5

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. every: or, the whole imagination: the Hebrew word signifieth not only the imagination, but also the purposes and desires continually: Heb. every day

6

And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

7

And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. both: Heb. from man unto beast

Read Genesis 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the tho... 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 theological truths about Wickedness emerge from this passage?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיַּ֣רְא1 of 15

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יְהוָ֔ה2 of 15

“And GOD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּ֥י3 of 15
H3588

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

רַבָּ֛ה4 of 15

“was great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

רַ֖ע5 of 15

“evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

הָאָדָ֖ם6 of 15

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

בָּאָ֑רֶץ7 of 15

“in the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְכָל8 of 15
H3605

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

יֵ֙צֶר֙9 of 15

“and that every imagination”

H3336

a form; figuratively, conception (i.e., purpose)

מַחְשְׁבֹ֣ת10 of 15

“of the thoughts”

H4284

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

לִבּ֔וֹ11 of 15

“of his heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

רַ֥ק12 of 15

“was only”

H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

רַ֖ע13 of 15

“evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

כָּל14 of 15
H3605

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

הַיּֽוֹם׃15 of 15

“continually”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 6:5 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 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 15:19Romans 1:28-31Mark 7:21-23Jeremiah 4:14Jeremiah 17:9Ephesians 2:1-3

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Genesis 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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