Devine Scripture

Genesis 6:12

What does Genesis 6:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 6:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 6:12 means

God's direct observation confirms the assessment of the previous verse: He \"saw the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt.\" This repetition underscores the divine affirmation of humanity's utter depravity. The phrase \"all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth\" indicates that the corruption was universal, not limited to a few pockets, and had infected every living being's conduct. This comprehensive corruption solidified God's resolve to bring judgment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And God saw the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And God saw the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And God, looking on the earth, saw that it was evil: for the way of all flesh had become evil on the earth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And God seeth the earth, and lo, it hath been corrupted, for all flesh hath corrupted its way on the earth.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when God had seen that the earth was corrupted (for all flesh had corrupted its way upon the earth),

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

AndGod looked upon the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted its way on the earth.

Context

This verse follows the general statement of the earth's corruption and violence (verse 11). It serves as God's direct confirmation and final verdict on the state of humanity, immediately preceding His detailed instructions to Noah. This divine observation underpins the absolute necessity of the flood and transitions the narrative from diagnosis to divine action.

v.11And the earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

v.12This passage

v.13And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 53:2

    God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there were any that did understand, That did seek after God.

  • Psalms 33:13

    Jehovah looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men;

  • Genesis 9:16

    And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.

  • 1 Peter 3:19

    in which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison,

  • 2 Peter 2:5

    and spared not the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;

  • Proverbs 15:3

    The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.

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