King James Version

What Does Genesis 7:21 Mean?

Genesis 7:21 in the King James Version says “And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing tha...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:”

Genesis 7:21 · KJV

Context

19

And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.

20

Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.

21

And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:

22

All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. the breath: Heb. the breath of the spirit of life

23

And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.

Read Genesis 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of ever... 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 The Flood emerge from this passage?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיִּגְוַ֞ע1 of 16

“died”

H1478

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

כָּל2 of 16
H3605

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

בָּשָׂ֣ר׀3 of 16

“And all flesh”

H1320

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

הָֽרֹמֵ֣שׂ4 of 16

“that moved”

H7430

properly, to glide swiftly, i.e., to crawl or move with short steps; by analogy to swarm

עַל5 of 16
H5921

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

הָאָ֑רֶץ6 of 16

“upon the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בָּע֤וֹף7 of 16

“both of fowl”

H5775

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

וּבַבְּהֵמָה֙8 of 16

“and of cattle”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

וּבַ֣חַיָּ֔ה9 of 16

“and of beast”

H2416

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

וּבְכָל10 of 16
H3605

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

הַשֶּׁ֖רֶץ11 of 16

“and of every creeping thing”

H8318

a swarm, i.e., active mass of minute animals

הַשֹּׁרֵ֣ץ12 of 16

“that creepeth”

H8317

to wriggle, i.e., (by implication) swarm or abound

עַל13 of 16
H5921

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

הָאָ֑רֶץ14 of 16

“upon the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְכֹ֖ל15 of 16
H3605

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

הָֽאָדָֽם׃16 of 16

“and every man”

H120

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

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 7:21 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 7:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 6:13Genesis 6:17Genesis 7:4Genesis 6:6-7Romans 8:20Zephaniah 1:3

Test Your Knowledge

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