Genesis 7:22
What does Genesis 7:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 7:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 7:22 means
This verse further clarifies who perished, specifying "all in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, of all that was on the dry land, died." This poetic yet precise description refers to all air-breathing land creatures, including humanity. This phrase is reminiscent of Genesis 2:7, where God breathed the breath of life into Adam, highlighting the reversal of creation through judgment. It once again underscores the completeness of the destruction on dry land, leaving no ambiguity about the scope of God's judgment.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000all in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, of all that was on the dry land, died.
KJV
King James Version · 1611All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901all in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, of all that was on the dry land, died.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Everything on the dry land, in which was the breath of life, came to its end.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862all in whose nostrils <FI>is<Fi> breath of a living spirit--of all that <FI>is<Fi> in the dry land--have died.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And all things wherein there is the breath of life on the earth, died.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890everything which had in its nostrils the breath of life, of all that was on the dry [land], died.
Context
This verse provides a crucial clarification and reiteration, specifically defining the type of life that died: those with the "breath of the spirit of life" on dry land. It directly follows the broader statement that "all flesh died" and leads into the final summary of total destruction, reinforcing the precise scope of the judgment and excluding aquatic life.
v.21And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both birds, and cattle, and beasts, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:
v.22This passage
v.23And every living thing was destroyed that was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and creeping things, and birds of the heavens; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only was left, and they that were with him in the ark.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 2:7
And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
- Genesis 6:17
And I, behold, I do bring the flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is in the earth shall die.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 7
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 7.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Body Image
Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and these scriptures help us to see ourselves through His eyes.
Topic
Bible Verses About God’s Calling
Explore what it means to be called by God, whether to salvation, service, or a particular purpose in life.
Topic
Bible Verses About Community
The Bible emphasizes the importance of community as a reflection of God's design for humanity and a source of strength and growth
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Alone
When no one seems to see you — verses for the One who does.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for Pregnancy
Verses for the long wait of trying to conceive.