Genesis 6 reveals a critical turning point in human history, as widespread corruption and violence grieve the heart of God. This chapter describes the wickedness of mankind, the mysterious Nephilim, and God’s decision to bring a great flood. Yet, amid the impending judgment, Noah finds grace in God’s sight and is given divine instructions to build the ark. This passage highlights the consequences of sin, God’s justice, and His mercy in providing a way of salvation. As we study Genesis 6, we are reminded of the importance of righteousness and obedience in a fallen world.
Genesis 6 Overview
- The Corruption of Humanity (Genesis 6:1-5)
- God’s Grief and Judgment Pronouncement (Genesis 6:6-7)
- Noah Finds Favor with God (Genesis 6:8-10)
- God’s Command to Build the Ark (Genesis 6:11-17)
- The Preservation of Life (Genesis 6:18-22)
The Corruption of Humanity
1 When men began to multiply on the surface of the ground, and daughters were born to them, 2 God’s sons saw that men’s daughters were beautiful, and they took any that they wanted for themselves as wives. 3 Yahweh said, “My Spirit will not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; so his days will be one hundred twenty years.” 4 The Nephilim were in the earth in those days, and also after that, when God’s sons came in to men’s daughters and had children with them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.
God’s Grief Over Human Wickedness
5 Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart was continually only evil. 6 Yahweh was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him in his heart. 7 Yahweh said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the surface of the ground—man, along with animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky—for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in Yahweh’s eyes.
Noah’s Righteousness
9 This is the history of the generations of Noah: Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. Noah walked with God. 10 Noah became the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 The earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 God saw the earth, and saw that it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.
God’s Warning to Noah
13 God said to Noah, “I will bring an end to all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them and the earth. 14 Make a ship of gopher wood. You shall make rooms in the ship, and shall seal it inside and outside with pitch. 15 This is how you shall make it. The length of the ship shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16 You shall make a roof in the ship, and you shall finish it to a cubit upward. You shall set the door of the ship in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third levels. 17 I, even I, will bring the flood of waters on the earth, to destroy all flesh having the breath of life from under the sky. Everything that is in the earth will die. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you. You shall come into the ship, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. 19 Of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ship, to keep them alive with you. They shall be male and female. 20 Of the birds after their kind, of the livestock after their kind, of every creeping thing of the ground after its kind, two of every sort will come to you, to keep them alive. 21 Take with you some of all food that is eaten, and gather it to yourself; and it will be for food for you, and for them.”
Noah’s Obedience
22 Noah did this. He did all that God commanded him.
Sermon Themes
Genesis 6 warns of the consequences of sin but also reveals God’s mercy in offering salvation to those who walk in righteousness. Just as Noah obeyed and was saved, we are called to trust in God’s plan and live according to His ways. How does Noah’s faith challenge you to walk righteously despite a sinful world? Take time to reflect on how you can be faithful in obedience to God’s call today.
- Noah Found Grace in God’s Eyes – Righteousness stands out in a sinful world (Genesis 6:8-9).
- God’s Judgment and Salvation Plan – The flood is coming, but God provides a way out (Genesis 6:13-14).
- Obedience in the Midst of Chaos – Noah followed God’s command exactly (Genesis 6:22).
- The Ark as a Symbol of Christ – A place of refuge in the face of divine judgment (Genesis 6:14-18).
- God’s Covenant of Protection – Salvation is promised to those who walk with God (Genesis 6:18).
- A Call to Righteous Living – In a world filled with sin, God calls His people to be blameless (Genesis 6:9).
- God’s Patience and Warning – Judgment does not come without warning (Genesis 6:3).
- Faith That Builds Arks – Noah’s faith led to action, not just belief (Genesis 6:22).
- God Remembers the Righteous – While the world perishes, those who walk with God find safety (Genesis 6:18-19).
- Stand for God in a Wicked World – Be righteous even when others reject God (Genesis 6:9).
- God’s Grace Is Greater than Judgment – He always provides a way of salvation (Genesis 6:8).
- Obedience Leads to Deliverance – Following God’s commands leads to safety (Genesis 6:22).
- Build Your Ark of Faith – Prepare spiritually before the storms of life come (Genesis 6:14).
- Stay Committed to God’s Call – Noah obeyed despite never seeing rain before (Genesis 6:13-22).
- Faith Takes Action – True belief is demonstrated by obedience (Genesis 6:22).
▷ Scripture quotation taken from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.
