King James Version

What Does Genesis 7:6 Mean?

Genesis 7:6 in the King James Version says “And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.”

Genesis 7:6 · KJV

Context

4

For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth. destroy: Heb. blot out

5

And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him.

6

And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.

7

And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.

8

Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth,

Read Genesis 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.... 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 understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְנֹ֕חַ1 of 10

“And Noah”

H5146

noach, the patriarch of the flood

בֶּן2 of 10

“old”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שֵׁ֥שׁ3 of 10

“was six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵא֖וֹת4 of 10

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שָׁנָ֑ה5 of 10

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וְהַמַּבּ֣וּל6 of 10

“when the flood”

H3999

a deluge

הָיָ֔ה7 of 10
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מַ֖יִם8 of 10

“of waters”

H4325

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

עַל9 of 10
H5921

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃10 of 10

“was upon 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 7:6 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 7:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 5:32Genesis 8:13

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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