Genesis 6:5: “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.”
Extended Explanation
Genesis 6:5 is a sobering verse that reveals the depth of human depravity before the Flood. It describes a world where wickedness had become pervasive, affecting every aspect of human thought and behavior. The verse emphasizes that this wickedness was not just occasional but was constant, with “every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart” being “only evil all the time.”
This verse paints a picture of a society that has turned completely away from God, where sin and corruption have reached their fullest expression. The language used—“every inclination” and “only evil all the time”—suggests that sin had thoroughly corrupted the human heart, leaving no room for goodness or righteousness. This level of wickedness was so severe that it grieved the heart of God and led to His decision to bring about the Flood as a means of judgment.
Historical Context
Genesis 6:5 is situated in the narrative leading up to the Great Flood, a cataclysmic event that reshaped human history. This period was marked by rapid population growth and increasing moral decay, as described in the earlier verses of Genesis 6. The world had become so corrupt that God, in His holiness, could no longer tolerate the sin that had taken root in the human race.
The historical context of this verse also reflects the broader theme of human rebellion that began with Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. The spread of sin from that first act of disobedience had now reached its climax, affecting not just individual actions but the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the heart was considered the center of a person’s will, emotions, and intellect. The description of the human heart in Genesis 6:5 as being wholly inclined toward evil highlights the totality of the corruption that had taken place.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Genesis 6:5 underscores the seriousness of sin and its pervasive nature. This verse shows that sin is not just about external actions but also about the internal thoughts and desires of the heart. The fact that “every inclination” was evil indicates that sin had corrupted humanity to its core, leaving people incapable of righteousness on their own.
This verse also speaks to the nature of God’s judgment. God is holy and just, and He cannot overlook sin. The widespread wickedness of humanity necessitated a response from God, not because He is vindictive, but because He is righteous. The Flood, which follows this verse, is an expression of God’s judgment against sin, but it is also a means of preserving the possibility of a righteous remnant through Noah.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Genesis 6:5 is a turning point in the narrative leading up to the Flood. The verse serves as a divine assessment of the state of humanity, and it sets the stage for the drastic action that God is about to take. The repetition of phrases like “every inclination” and “only evil” emphasizes the totality of human corruption, creating a sense of inevitability about the coming judgment.
The use of the phrase “The Lord saw” ties back to earlier chapters in Genesis, where God’s acts of seeing often precede His actions. In Genesis 1, God saw that His creation was good, but here, He sees that human wickedness has reached an intolerable level. This contrast highlights the extent of humanity’s fall from its original state of goodness.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other passages in the Bible reflect the themes introduced in Genesis 6:5:
- Jeremiah 17:9: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” This verse echoes the idea that the human heart is deeply corrupted and inclined toward evil.
- Romans 3:10-12: “As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.'” Paul’s words in Romans reinforce the universal nature of sin described in Genesis 6:5.
- Matthew 15:19: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Jesus’ teaching in Matthew shows that evil originates from the heart, aligning with the depiction of human wickedness in Genesis 6:5.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Genesis 6:5 serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of guarding one’s heart. It challenges believers to reflect on the condition of their own hearts and to seek God’s help in resisting the pervasive influence of sin. The verse also underscores the need for humility, acknowledging that apart from God’s grace, our hearts are naturally inclined toward evil.
This verse also calls Christians to be vigilant in their spiritual lives. Just as sin was pervasive in the days before the Flood, it can easily infiltrate our thoughts and actions if we are not careful. Regular self-examination and repentance are crucial for maintaining a heart that is aligned with God’s will.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Genesis 6:5, while highlighting human wickedness, also points to God’s love. God’s grief over the state of humanity shows that He cares deeply about His creation. His decision to bring the Flood was not a rash act of anger but a necessary response to the corruption that had overtaken the earth. Even in judgment, God’s actions are motivated by a desire to restore righteousness and protect the integrity of His creation.
God’s love is also evident in His decision to preserve Noah and his family through the Flood. This preservation is a testament to God’s commitment to His redemptive plan, even in the face of overwhelming sin. God’s love does not ignore sin but seeks to redeem and restore what has been lost.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Genesis 6:5 connects to Jesus Christ by highlighting the need for a Savior. The verse shows that humanity, left to its own devices, is hopelessly corrupt and in need of divine intervention. Just as God intervened through the Flood to cleanse the earth, He intervened through Jesus Christ to offer a permanent solution to the problem of sin.
Jesus’ death and resurrection provide the means for humanity to be reconciled to God, overcoming the corruption of the heart described in Genesis 6:5. Through Christ, we are offered a new heart and a new spirit, enabling us to live in a way that pleases God. As Ezekiel 36:26-27 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the description of the human heart in Genesis 6:5 challenge your understanding of sin?
- What steps can you take to guard your heart against the pervasive influence of sin?
- How does God’s judgment in the Flood reflect both His justice and His love?
- In what ways does Jesus’ sacrifice address the problem of sin described in Genesis 6:5?
- How can you live in a way that reflects the new heart and spirit that God offers through Jesus Christ?
Reflecting on these questions can help deepen your understanding of Genesis 6:5 and its relevance to your life today.