King James Version

What Does Genesis 6:9 Mean?

“These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. perfect: or, upright”

Context

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

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. perfect: or, upright

And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**THE GENERATIONS OF NOAH** (Genesis 6:9; Genesis 9:28). (9) **Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations.**—“Just” is, literally, *righteous, *one whose actions were sufficiently upright to exempt him from the punishment inflicted upon the rest of mankind. “Perfect” means *sound, healthy, *and conveys no idea of sinlessness. It answers to the Latin *integer, *whence our word integrity, and not to *perfectus.* **Generations **(*dôrôth*) is not the same word as at the beginning of the verse (*tôldôth*)*, *but simply means *his contemporaries. *And this he was because— **Noah walked with God.**—See Note on Genesis 5:22.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 6:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.