Genesis Chapter 6 stands as one of the most pivotal and enigmatic passages in the entire Biblical narrative. It marks a dramatic turning point in human history, detailing the divine decision to reset a corrupted creation. This chapter weaves together themes of human wickedness, supernatural intervention, divine grief, and the unwavering grace found through one righteous man. A thorough examination of Genesis 6 provides critical insights into the nature of God, the problem of evil, and the foreshadowing of ultimate salvation.
The Sons of God and the Daughters of Men: Unpacking a Biblical Mystery
The opening verses of Genesis 6 present one of the Old Testament’s most debated mysteries:
“When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose.” (Genesis 6:1-2, NIV)
The identity of the “sons of God” (Hebrew: bene ha elohim) has been the subject of extensive theological discussion, primarily leading to two key interpretations:
1. The Fallen Angel View: This traditional interpretation posits that the “sons of God” were angelic beings who rebelled against God by taking human form and cohabiting with human women. Proponents of this view point to other uses of the term “sons of God” in the Old Testament (e.g., Job 1:6, 2:1, 38:7) which typically refer to angelic beings. The resultant offspring were the Nephilim (“giants” or “fallen ones”), a hybrid race of supernatural strength and wickedness.
2. The Sethite View: This interpretation argues that the “sons of God” were the godly descendants of Seth (Adam’s son), while the “daughters of humans” were the ungodly descendants of Cain. The sin, in this case, was the forbidden intermarriage between the faithful line (who were to preserve the seed of the Messiah) and the apostate line, leading to a complete corruption of belief and practice.
Regardless of which interpretation one holds, the core message is clear: a catastrophic boundary, established by God between different orders of creation, was violated. This resulted in unprecedented wickedness and the corruption of humanity’s genetic and moral purity.
The Nephilim: The Giants in the Land
The offspring of these unnatural unions are called the Nephilim.
“The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.” (Genesis 6:4, NIV)
The term Nephilim is often translated as “giants,” and they are described as mighty warriors of legendary status. Their presence signifies the overwhelming and violent corruption that had filled the earth. They are mentioned again in Numbers 13:33, where Israel’s spies report them as fearsome inhabitants of Canaan, indicating that the legacy of the Nephilim persisted even after the Flood.
The Grief of God and the Declaration of Judgment
The consequence of this rampant corruption and violence is a heartbreaking divine response.
“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.” (Genesis 6:5-6, NIV)
This passage offers a profound glimpse into the character of God. It uses anthropomorphic language—attributing human emotions to God—to help us understand His holy response to sin. God’s “regret” or “grief” is not a sign of error but of a personal, relational Creator pained by the betrayal and corruption of His good creation. The judgment that follows is not a cold, detached decree but a righteous response from a wounded heart.
God declares His intention to “wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them” (Genesis 6:7). This is a holistic judgment, affecting all of creation, which had been twisted and subjected to futility because of human sin (Romans 8:20).
Finding Grace: The Righteousness of Noah
Amidst the universal declaration of judgment, a single point of light shines brightly:
“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” (Genesis 6:8, NIV)
The word “favor” is the Hebrew word chen, which is directly translated as grace. Noah’s salvation was not earned; it was an unmerited gift from God. The text clarifies why Noah was the recipient of this grace:
“Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.” (Genesis 6:9)
Noah’s righteousness was not sinless perfection but a faithful, covenant-keeping relationship with God. He stood in stark contrast to the world around him. His faith was demonstrated by his obedience, as seen in the subsequent verses where he does “all that God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22).
The Ark of Salvation: A Detailed Command
The remainder of Genesis 6 (verses 10-22) details God’s specific instructions for building the ark, a vessel of salvation. The precision of the instructions—the type of wood (gopherwood or cypress), the dimensions, the coating of pitch inside and out—highlights that salvation is always on God’s terms. The ark was a specific, sufficient, and single way of escape from the coming judgment, a powerful typology of Christ as the sole means of salvation for humanity (John 14:6, Acts 4:12).
The Covenant Promise
Embedded within the command to build the ark is the first mention of a covenant in the Bible (Genesis 6:18). God establishes His covenant with Noah, promising to save him and his family. This was a unilateral promise from God—He alone would be the author and guarantor of salvation. This covenant foreshadows the New Covenant in Christ, initiated and fulfilled by God for the salvation of His people.
Theological Implications and Modern Application
The message of Genesis 6 resonates powerfully today:
- The Reality of God’s Holiness: God takes sin seriously. It corrupts individuals, societies, and all of creation, and it demands a righteous judgment.
- The Hope of God’s Grace: Even in the darkest times, God provides a way of salvation for those who faithfully walk with Him. His grace always precedes His command.
- The Necessity of Obedient Faith: Noah’s faith was made manifest by his obedience in building the ark. True faith is always active and trusting, even when God’s commands seem illogical to the world.
- A Pattern of Salvation: The Ark is a clear picture of the gospel—there was only one way to be saved from the judgment, and it required entering through the door God provided. Jesus Christ is the ultimate Ark of salvation.
Conclusion: A Chapter of Warning and Hope
Genesis Chapter 6 serves as both a severe warning and a glorious testament to hope. It warns of the end point of unchecked sin and the certainty of divine judgment. Yet, it simultaneously proclaims that God’s grace is sufficient to save those who are called to be righteous and to walk with Him. The story of Noah is not a simple children’s fable; it is the sobering and hope-filled account of a new beginning, founded on grace and secured through faithful obedience to the word of God.