Genesis 6:12 kjv

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

Genesis 6:12 nkjv

So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

Genesis 6:12 niv

God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways.

Genesis 6:12 esv

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

Genesis 6:12 nlt

God observed all this corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was corrupt.

Genesis 6 verses

Genesis 6 12 Meaning

Genesis 6:12 reveals God's divine observation and assessment of the pre-Flood world. It states that God perceived the earth to be utterly depraved because all living beings, particularly humanity, had actively corrupted their moral and spiritual way of life upon it. This verse serves as the immediate divine justification for the impending global judgment by flood, highlighting the pervasive and profound nature of the wickedness that had saturated creation.

Genesis 6 12 Context

Genesis 6:12 sits within a critical narrative transition in the biblical account, detailing humanity's rapid descent into pervasive wickedness after the creation. Chapters 4 and 5 establish the early spread of humanity, the rise of distinct lineages (Cain's descendants known for violence and cultural innovation, Seth's descendants characterized by calling upon the Lord's name), and humanity's growing lifespan. Chapter 6 begins by describing the enigmatic "sons of God" taking "daughters of men" and the birth of the Nephilim, which commentators often connect to an exacerbation of human corruption. Verse 5 immediately states God saw the "great" wickedness of man and that "every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." This leads to God's profound grief (v. 6) and regret (v. 7), prompting His decision to wipe humanity from the earth. Verse 11 re-emphasizes that the earth "was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence."

Thus, Genesis 6:12 acts as a reinforcing summary and explanation of the widespread spiritual and moral breakdown described earlier in the chapter. It underscores the severity and totality of human sin as the justification for the cataclysmic flood. Historically, this account explains the reason for God's judgment on the "ancient world," presenting it not as an arbitrary act, but a just response to utter human depravity. Against ancient Near Eastern flood myths that often portray divine whims, the biblical narrative stresses God's moral character and the justice of His actions.

Genesis 6 12 Word analysis

• And God saw (Vayyar Elohim): This phrase highlights God's divine observation, going beyond mere sight to convey a profound, discerning comprehension. Elohim (אֱלֹהִים), a plural form, is used here for God, emphasizing His role as Creator, Sovereign, and Judge, surveying His own handiwork. This is not a passive glance but an active, moral evaluation. It echoes earlier divine perceptions, particularly Gen 6:5, emphasizing the consistency of God's awareness of human action.
• the earth, (ha'aretz): Refers to the whole habitable world and its inhabitants, signifying the scope of God's survey and the global extent of the problem. It is the very creation God had declared "very good" (Gen 1:31).
• and, behold, (v'hinneh): An emphatic interjection drawing attention to a stark revelation or surprising discovery. In this context, it signals the shocking extent of the depravity God observed.
• it was corrupt; (nishchata): This is the Hophal perfect of the Hebrew verb shachat (שָׁחַת), meaning "to ruin, destroy, spoil, decay, defile." The Hophal stem indicates a passive state, meaning "it had been ruined, spoiled, depraved." The earth had become corrupted, not inherently so, pointing to an external cause. This passive usage here relates to the state of the earth as a result of active corruption by its inhabitants.
• for all flesh (ki chol basar): "For" (ki) introduces the reason or justification for the earth's corrupt state. "All flesh" (chol basar - כָּל־בָּשָׂר) indicates the totality. While "flesh" (basar) can refer to all living creatures, in this context, immediately preceding "had corrupted his way," it primarily signifies humanity (whose "way" or moral conduct is central) but also extends to include all sentient life that had become affected by, or participants in, this pervasive corruption. It underscores the universal nature of the moral decay that necessitated a global response.
• had corrupted (hishchiyth): This is the Hiphil perfect of shachat (שָׁחַת). Unlike the passive nishchata, the Hiphil indicates an active, causative action: "they had caused to be corrupted," "they had actively ruined/defiled." This shift in verb form (from passive nishchata for "it was corrupt" to active hishchiyth for "had corrupted") is crucial. It firmly places the responsibility for the earth's defilement on "all flesh," i.e., humanity. They were not merely corrupted but were actively corrupting themselves and their environment.
• his way (darko): Derech (דֶּרֶךְ), "way," in Hebrew often refers not just to a physical path but to one's conduct, lifestyle, moral behavior, or chosen course of life. "His way" (or 'their way' since "all flesh" is collective) refers to the corrupt moral and spiritual practices, choices, and general direction of life taken by humanity. It suggests a departure from God's intended path of righteousness and a consistent pattern of wickedness.
• upon the earth. (al ha'aretz): This final phrase re-emphasizes the global scope and observable manifestation of the corruption. It signifies that the depravity was not hidden but overtly pervasive throughout the entire populated world.

Genesis 6 12 Bonus section

The profound level of "corruption" described in Genesis 6:12 points to an inversion of God's original creation intention. In Gen 1:31, God surveyed His completed creation and declared it "very good" (tov me'od). By Gen 6:12, the world is seen as "corrupt" (nishchata), indicating a complete undoing of that initial goodness by human sin. This stark contrast highlights the destructive power of rebellion against God. The term "corrupt" is often used in other contexts (e.g., Exod 32:7; Deut 4:16) to describe idolatry or departing from God's commandments, suggesting the pre-Flood corruption encompassed a radical rejection of divine truth and a descent into idolatrous and violent practices that defiled both the human spirit and the created order. The need for a "new beginning" (through Noah and the flood) and subsequently, the "new creation" promised in the Prophets (Isa 65:17) and ultimately fulfilled in Christ (2 Cor 5:17, Rev 21:1), directly flows from this inherent problem of pervasive corruption caused by "all flesh."

Genesis 6 12 Commentary

Genesis 6:12 encapsulates God's righteous verdict on a fallen world. Building upon the description of escalating wickedness and violence, it portrays a total moral breakdown. God's act of "seeing" signifies not just awareness but a thorough, discerning judgment of the inherent spiritual depravity. The double use of the Hebrew verb shachat (corrupt/spoiled/ruined) powerfully conveys the extent of this moral rot. The passive form (nishchata) for "it was corrupt" highlights the devastated state of creation, while the active causative form (hishchiyth) for "had corrupted" precisely attributes responsibility to humanity ("all flesh"). This demonstrates humanity's active role in its own demise and the ruin of God's good creation through perverse "ways" or patterns of life. The universality ("all flesh," "upon the earth") underscores the lack of any significant pockets of righteousness outside of Noah, making God's impending judgment a just, necessary, and comprehensive divine response to humanity's profound and active corruption of its very being and path. It speaks to God's intolerance for sustained rebellion and profound moral decay, foreshadowing the need for ultimate restoration or new creation.