Genesis 6:12
Genesis 6:12 in Multiple Translations
And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways.
And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
And God saw the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.
And God, looking on the earth, saw that it was evil: for the way of all flesh had become evil on the earth.
God recognized that the corruption in the world was due to everyone on earth living corrupt lives.
Then God looked vpon the earth, and beholde, it was corrupt: for all flesh had corrupt his way vpon the earth.
And God seeth the earth, and lo, it hath been corrupted, for all flesh hath corrupted its way on the earth.
God saw the earth, and saw that it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.
And God looked upon the earth, and behold, it was corrupt: for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
And when God had seen that the earth was corrupted (for all flesh had corrupted its way upon the earth,)
God was dismayed when he saw how evil people [MTY] were, because everyone (OR, all living creatures) had begun to behave in an evil way.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 6:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 6:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֧רְא
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
אֶת
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה
נִשְׁחָ֑תָה
כִּֽי
הִשְׁחִ֧ית
כָּל
בָּשָׂ֛ר
אֶת
דַּרְכּ֖/וֹ
עַל
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
וַ/יַּ֧רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
נִשְׁחָ֑תָה
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִשְׁחִ֧ית
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בָּשָׂ֛ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דַּרְכּ֖/וֹ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 6:12
וַ/יַּ֧רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
נִשְׁחָ֑תָה
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הִשְׁחִ֧ית
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בָּשָׂ֛ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דַּרְכּ֖/וֹ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 6:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 6:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 6:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 6:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 6:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 6:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 6:12
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 6:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 6:12
- Sermons on Genesis 6:12
Context — Noah’s Favor with God
10And Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
11Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence.
12And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways.
13Then God said to Noah, “The end of all living creatures has come before Me, because through them the earth is full of violence. Now behold, I will destroy both them and the earth. 14Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 53:2–3 | God looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:3 | The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good. |
| 3 | Psalms 14:1–3 | The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. |
| 4 | 2 Peter 2:5 | if He did not spare the ancient world when He brought the flood on its ungodly people, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, among the eight; |
| 5 | Job 22:15–17 | Will you stay on the ancient path that wicked men have trod? They were snatched away before their time, and their foundations were swept away by a flood. They said to God, ‘Depart from us. What can the Almighty do to us?’ |
| 6 | Job 33:27 | Then he sings before men with these words: ‘I have sinned and perverted what was right; yet I did not get what I deserved. |
| 7 | 1 Peter 3:19–20 | in whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water. |
| 8 | Genesis 6:4–5 | The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and afterward as well—when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of men. And they bore them children who became the mighty men of old, men of renown. Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time. |
| 9 | Genesis 7:1 | Then the LORD said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. |
| 10 | Psalms 33:13–14 | The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From His dwelling place He gazes on all who inhabit the earth. |
Genesis 6:12 Summary
[This verse tells us that God looked at the earth and saw that it was corrupt, meaning that people and animals had turned away from Him and were doing wrong. This is similar to what we see in Jeremiah 17:9, where it says the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. God sees everything that happens on the earth and is sad when He sees people and animals sinning. He wants us to live in a way that is pleasing to Him, and when we don't, it has consequences, as seen in Genesis 6:13-14, where God tells Noah to build an ark to save himself and his family from the coming destruction.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the earth to be corrupt in God's sight?
According to Genesis 6:12, the earth was corrupt because all living creatures had corrupted their ways, which is similar to what we see in Romans 3:23, where it says all have sinned and fall short of God's glory.
How does this verse relate to the story of Noah and the ark?
This verse sets the stage for God's instructions to Noah in Genesis 6:13-14, where He tells Noah to build an ark to save himself and his family from the coming destruction, which is a result of the corruption on the earth.
What is the significance of God looking upon the earth and seeing its corruption?
This verse highlights God's awareness and concern for the state of the earth, similar to what we see in Psalm 33:13-15, where it says God sees all that happens on the earth and is aware of the thoughts and actions of humanity.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and its consequences?
This verse shows that sin has consequences, not just for individuals, but for the entire creation, as seen in Romans 8:20-22, where it says that the creation was subjected to futility because of sin.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that corruption and sin can affect not just individuals, but entire communities and the world around us?
- How can we, like Noah, be a beacon of hope and righteousness in a world filled with corruption and violence?
- What are some practical ways that we can live out our faith and be a positive influence on the world around us, despite the presence of sin and corruption?
- How can we balance the reality of sin and corruption in the world with the hope and promise of God's redemption and restoration?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 6:12
And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt,.... This is spoken as if he had never looked upon it before; whereas his eyes are always upon the earth, and the inhabitants of it, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 6:12
And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 6:12
All men, as the word flesh is taken, , and oft elsewhere, had corrupted his way; either, 1. God’ s way, his precepts concerning religion and righteousness; or, 2. Their own way or manner of living.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 6:12
Genesis 6:12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.Ver. 12. All flesh had corrupted his way.] General defection precedes general destruction; as here all sorts and sexes were fallen from God. All kinds of sins were common among them. In the family, promiscuous lusts, unlawful marriages, &c. In the state, tyranny, violence, injustice. In the Church, contempt of God’ s word; abuse of his patience to presumption; of his bounty to security in sin. For they ate, they drank, they married, they planted, they builded, &c. And all this they did constantly and pleasantly, passing from eating to drinking; from drinking to marrying (for, Venus in vinis , and gluttony, is the gallery that wantonness walks through); from marrying to planting, for the use of posterity, as St Luke sweetly sets forth by an elegant rhetorical figure All this they did, and God was silent, therefore their hearts grew fat as brawn, and they knew nothing, saith our Saviour, nor would know, till the very day that the flood came. Into such a dead lethargy were they cast by their sins; which were therefore grown ripe, and ready for the sickle. ησθιον, επινον, εγαμουν, &c. - Luke 17:27
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 6:12
(12) All flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.—These material things were incapable alike of moral good or evil, but man had made them the instruments of working his carnal will, and because of the associations connected with them they must be effaced, or rubbed out. (See Note on Genesis 6:7.)
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 6:12
12. all flesh] Used here for “all the human race.” The phrase, which is found 13 times in the Story of the Flood, is a characteristic of P. had corrupted his way] This expression seems to be used with the object of shewing that man was a free agent, and that his corruption was not the result of blind fate, or of any external malign influence.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 6:12
11-13. The earth also was corrupt — This verb, in the same form, is used in Exodus 8:24, to describe the land of Egypt corrupted by the swarms of flies, the black, blood-sucking multitudes that made the land uninhabitable.
Sermons on Genesis 6:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Voice in the Wilderness by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah 40:3-8, which speaks about preparing the way for the Lord. He emphasizes that sin is the root cause of all ruin and devastation in th |
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The Obscure Church by Francis Turretin | Francis Turretin discusses the proof that the Church is often obscured by examining the condition of the Old Testament Church. He highlights various intervals in history where the |
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Human Sinfulness by Gardiner Spring | Gardiner Spring preaches about the profound wickedness of man's heart as described in Genesis, emphasizing the continuous evil inclinations and the deceitful nature of human sinful |
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Shrewdness and Bitterness by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the difficulties of life and the struggles faced by people in the community. He observes the older individuals pushing shopping carts and d |
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Skyland Conference 1980-07 Christian Stewardship by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the fifty-third song, emphasizing how God looked down to see and sent his beloved Son, Jesus, to satisfy his heart and save humanity. The co |
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This Heart Is Too Small - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon delves into the message to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3, emphasizing the importance of being true and faithful witnesses before God. It highlights the need to |
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God - No Absentee Landlord by Bill Wright | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for transparent honesty, security, and encouragement in the family of God. He shares how the 139th Psalm has personally encouraged h |