Genesis 6:18 kjv

But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.

Genesis 6:18 nkjv

But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark?you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you.

Genesis 6:18 niv

But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark?you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you.

Genesis 6:18 esv

But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you.

Genesis 6:18 nlt

But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat ? you and your wife and your sons and their wives.

Genesis 6 verses

Genesis 6 18 Meaning

Genesis 6:18 reveals God's gracious and sovereign plan to preserve Noah and his family through a divinely initiated covenant amidst a world destined for judgment. It underscores God's faithfulness to establish His covenant, ensuring salvation for those chosen by Him. The verse mandates entry into the ark, a tangible expression of God's provision for deliverance from the impending flood.

Genesis 6 18 Context

Genesis chapter 6 sets the scene for universal divine judgment due to pervasive human wickedness. The narrative describes humanity's corruption becoming so great that God is grieved and determines to destroy all flesh from the earth. Amidst this bleak backdrop, Noah is uniquely identified as having "found grace in the eyes of the Lord" (Gen 6:8) and as a "just man and perfect in his generations" who "walked with God" (Gen 6:9). Following God's declaration of judgment (Gen 6:7) and His instructions to Noah to build the ark (Gen 6:14-16), verse 18 immediately follows as the pivotal promise and command for Noah's specific salvation. It clarifies God's unilateral commitment (covenant) and the means (ark) for Noah and his household to escape the coming flood. Historically and culturally, this narrative stands in stark contrast to ancient Near Eastern flood myths, where gods act capriciously. The biblical account highlights God's justice, ethical concern over sin, and His sovereign, deliberate act of preserving a righteous remnant through a divinely chosen covenant.

Genesis 6 18 Word analysis

• But: This introductory word subtly emphasizes a contrast with the preceding verses' grim pronouncement of judgment on all flesh. While others face destruction, Noah receives a different decree.
• with thee: (Hebrew: ’ittākh, אִתָּךְ) Emphasizes Noah's personal relationship with God. Despite widespread corruption, God chooses to enter into a relationship and communicate directly with Noah, distinguishing him from the condemned world. It highlights divine election and personal favor.
• will I establish: (Hebrew: vahaqimoti, וַהֲקִמֹתִי, from root qum meaning "to rise, confirm, stand firm, perform") This signifies God's absolute initiative, power, and faithfulness. It's a unilateral action on God's part, a sovereign declaration that He will bring His promise into effect. It's not a negotiation but a divine pronouncement of intent and commitment.
• my covenant: (Hebrew: beriti, בְּרִיתִי) The first explicit theological use of "covenant" (berit) in the Bible in relation to a broad divine purpose of salvation and interaction with humanity (distinct from marriage or political treaties). It signifies a solemn, binding agreement, an oath-bound relationship established by God. The possessive "my" emphasizes God as its originator and sustainer, confirming its divine authority and faithfulness.
• and thou shalt come into: (Hebrew: uvāta’ el-, וּבָאתָ אֶל־) This is a direct divine command, indicating Noah's essential role of obedience in the process of his salvation. It highlights the requirement for action and participation in God's saving plan.
• the ark: (Hebrew: hattevah, הַתֵּבָה) The Hebrew term tevah is unique, used only for Noah's vessel and Moses' basket (Exo 2:3). It doesn't mean a typical ship but suggests a special, purpose-built chest or box for preservation, specifically designed by God as a means of escape. It symbolizes divine provision and salvation distinct from human efforts or wisdom.
• thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee: This specific enumeration clarifies the extent of the salvation. God's grace extends to Noah's immediate household, the direct recipients of this covenant's salvific provisions. It emphasizes the importance of family preservation within God's larger redemptive plan.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "But with thee will I establish my covenant": This phrase encapsulates divine election and grace. God singles out Noah for a unique relationship based on His sovereign choice and commitment. It is God's unilateral decision to preserve, demonstrating His mercy despite universal judgment. This commitment secures the future of humanity through Noah's line.
• "and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee": This describes the practical, immediate consequence and condition of the covenant—entering the ark—and the scope of its recipients. The ark is the vehicle for salvation, and God specifies exactly who is to be preserved: Noah and his direct family members. This emphasizes God's comprehensive provision for the household of the one who found favor, a pattern of corporate salvation rooted in an individual's obedience and standing before God.

Genesis 6 18 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "establish" (qum) in this context carries the nuance of not just "starting" but "upholding" or "bringing into full effect" the covenant, implying its enduring nature. This foreshadows the subsequent chapters where the covenant is indeed upheld by God. The Noahic Covenant, explicitly initiated here, is universal in its scope in Gen 9, extending to all creation. This verse, however, focuses on its immediate salvific function for Noah's household. The family listed—eight individuals in total—serves not only as a testament to household salvation but also represents a symbolic new beginning, often reflected in biblical numerology where 'eight' signifies new life or a fresh start (e.g., circumcision on the eighth day). The covenant is fundamentally relational, God entering into a saving relationship with Noah to fulfill His broader redemptive purposes for humanity.

Genesis 6 18 Commentary

Genesis 6:18 stands as a profound declaration of God's character: simultaneously just in His judgment of sin and merciful in His provision of salvation. This verse articulates the commencement of the Noahic Covenant, prefiguring its full formal establishment in Genesis 9. It is critical to understanding God's method of preserving humanity through an elect remnant, initiated solely by His grace. The covenant is unilaterally established by God, "I will establish," showcasing His sovereignty and faithfulness. Noah's part is to obey the command to enter the ark, a testament to faith, as highlighted in Hebrews 11:7. The ark, a tevah, is not merely a boat but a unique divine instrument for preserving life, an emblem of God's specific rescue plan. The inclusion of Noah's entire family underscores the concept of household salvation, where one individual's faith and righteousness (Noah found grace, Gen 6:8) can extend God's protective grace to their direct kin, a theme echoed in the New Testament with families saved due to the faith of a head of household (Acts 16:31). Ultimately, this verse beautifully illustrates that while judgment is certain, God always provides a means of deliverance for those He chooses in His infinite wisdom and mercy.

• Examples:
  • God providing a clear "ark" (salvation through Christ) for escape from spiritual judgment for those who believe and obey.
  • An individual's walk with God having a redemptive impact on their entire household, inviting them into the ark of faith.
  • God's faithfulness to His promises (covenants) remaining steadfast, regardless of human failing or external chaos.