King James Version

What Does Genesis 8:21 Mean?

Genesis 8:21 in the King James Version says “And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man'... — study this verse from Genesis chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. a sweet: Heb. a savour of rest or, satisfaction for the imagination: or, through the imagination

Genesis 8:21 · KJV


Context

19

Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their kinds, went forth out of the ark. kinds: Heb. families

20

And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

21

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. a sweet: Heb. a savour of rest or, satisfaction for the imagination: or, through the imagination

22

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. While: Heb. As yet all the days of the earth


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the grou... 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. 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 · 32 words
וַיָּ֣רַח1 of 32

smelled

H7306

properly, to blow, i.e., breathe; only (literally) to smell or (by implication, perceive (figuratively, to anticipate, enjoy)

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 32

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת3 of 32
H853

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

רֵ֣יחַ4 of 32

savour

H7381

odor (as if blown)

הַנִּיחֹחַ֒5 of 32

a sweet

H5207

properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר6 of 32

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה7 of 32

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל8 of 32

in

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵ֧ב9 of 32

heart

H3820

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

לֹֽא10 of 32
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֹסִ֥ף11 of 32

I will not again

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

לְקַלֵּ֨ל12 of 32

curse

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

ע֤וֹד13 of 32
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אֶת14 of 32
H853

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

הָֽאֲדָמָה֙15 of 32

the ground

H127

soil (from its general redness)

בַּֽעֲב֣וּר16 of 32

sake

H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

הָֽאָדָ֛ם17 of 32

any more for man's

H120

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

כִּ֠י18 of 32
H3588

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

יֵ֣צֶר19 of 32

for the imagination

H3336

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

לֵ֧ב20 of 32

heart

H3820

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

הָֽאָדָ֛ם21 of 32

any more for man's

H120

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

רַ֖ע22 of 32

is evil

H7451

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

מִנְּעֻרָ֑יו23 of 32

from his youth

H5271

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

וְלֹֽא24 of 32
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֹסִ֥ף25 of 32

I will not again

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

ע֛וֹד26 of 32
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לְהַכּ֥וֹת27 of 32

smite

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת28 of 32
H853

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

כָּל29 of 32
H3605

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

חַ֖י30 of 32

any more every thing living

H2416

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר31 of 32
H834

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

עָשִֽׂיתִי׃32 of 32

as I have done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application


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 8:21 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 8:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study