Genesis 7:22 kjv

All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died.

Genesis 7:22 nkjv

All in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, all that was on the dry land, died.

Genesis 7:22 niv

Everything on dry land that had the breath of life in its nostrils died.

Genesis 7:22 esv

Everything on the dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died.

Genesis 7:22 nlt

Everything that breathed and lived on dry land died.

Genesis 7 verses

Genesis 7 22 Meaning

Genesis 7:22 vividly describes the universal destruction of all air-breathing life on the dry land during the great flood. It emphasizes that every creature whose life breath originated from God and inhabited the land perished, highlighting the totality and divine execution of the judgment against the wickedness of humanity and the earth. The specificity of "dry land" and "nostrils" clarifies that aquatic life was not the subject of this particular judgment, but rather all terrestrial beings that relied on air for their existence.

Genesis 7 22 Context

Genesis chapter 7 details the progression of the Great Flood, depicting God's comprehensive judgment on a world corrupted by human wickedness (Gen 6:5, 11-12). Following God's explicit instruction for Noah to enter the ark with specific animals (Gen 7:1-5), the rain begins (Gen 7:11-12). The chapter meticulously describes the rising waters, emphasizing the submersion of all high mountains (Gen 7:19-20) and the resultant death of all life outside the ark (Gen 7:21-23). Verse 22 precisely defines the scope of this death, focusing on air-breathing terrestrial life. This context underlines the total nature of divine judgment, saving only Noah and those with him by divine grace and specific provision. Historically, the Flood narrative positions God's judgment as universal, stemming from His righteous character, standing in stark contrast to chaotic, localized flood myths from surrounding ancient cultures that often attributed floods to arbitrary acts of polytheistic deities.

Genesis 7 22 Word analysis

• All: The Hebrew word kol (כֹּל) means "all," "every," "the whole." Its usage here emphasizes the absolute, exhaustive nature of the destruction. There was no terrestrial creature breathing air that was exempted from this judgment, apart from those specifically preserved in the ark. This universality highlights the depth of God's displeasure with the pervasive wickedness.

• in whose nostrils: The Hebrew phrase be'appāyw (בְּאַפָּיו), literally "in his nostrils" or "in their nostrils." The nostril is the pathway for nishmat chayyim (breath of life). This specific anatomical reference clarifies that the perishing creatures were air-breathing land animals, excluding fish and marine life. It speaks to the ancient observation of life's dependence on breath, which was universally observed.

• was the breath of the spirit of life: The Hebrew is nishmat ruach chayyim (נִשְׁמַת רוּחַ חַיִּים).

  • nishmat (נִשְׁמַת) means "breath" or "spirit," akin to neshamah. It often denotes the vital breath imparted by God that distinguishes living creatures.
  • ruach (רוּחַ) also means "spirit," "wind," or "breath." Here, in combination with chayyim, it powerfully signifies the "spirit of life" or "breath of life," connecting directly back to Genesis 2:7 where God breathes into Adam's nostrils. This phrasing is highly significant as it affirms that the life of these creatures was not inherent but divinely imparted. God, who gave life through His breath, also had the power to withdraw it.

• of all that was in the dry land: The Hebrew mikkol asher bacharabah (מִכֹּל אֲשֶׁר בֶּחָרָבָה) specifically means "from all which was on the dry ground" or "in the dry land."

  • charabah (חָרָבָה) refers to "dry land" or "desolate ground." This precise boundary differentiates the doomed terrestrial creatures from the inhabitants of the sea. The flood's purpose was to cleanse the defiled "land," implying that the corruption primarily affected life on the land.

• died: The Hebrew mêthû (מֵתוּ) means "they died." This simple, declarative verb signifies a decisive and complete end. It emphasizes the direct and immediate consequence of the flood—death for all outside the ark.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "All in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life": This phrase precisely identifies the affected population: every air-breathing terrestrial being that drew life from God's breath. It emphasizes that life is not self-sustaining but depends on a divine input (the breath/spirit of life), highlighting God's role as the life-giver and life-taker. The universal nature ("all") underscores the comprehensive scope of judgment.

• "of all that was in the dry land, died": This part establishes the geographical limitation and the ultimate fate. "Dry land" clearly demarcates the affected area from aquatic environments, ensuring the judgment's precision rather than implying chaos. The final word "died" delivers the blunt and total consequence, leaving no room for survivors among the defined group, outside of Noah's ark. This specific scope clarifies that fish and marine life were not directly part of this aspect of God's judgment, as their survival would have been dependent on the water itself.

Genesis 7 22 Bonus section

The specific terminology of "breath of the spirit of life" (nishmat ruach chayyim) connects deeply with other biblical texts, emphasizing that life is not merely physical existence but includes a vital principle directly imparted by God. This implies an intrinsic connection between life and the divine presence or spirit. The total removal of this life-breath from all terrestrial creatures indicates not just death, but a complete reversal of the creative act for the "dry land" and its inhabitants, symbolizing a cosmic uncreation where the world reverted to a formless and void state (Gen 1:2), devoid of chayyim (life) on its surface. This echoes God's lament and decision in Genesis 6:7 to "blot out" mankind and everything He had created upon the face of the ground, underscoring the severity of the spiritual corruption that necessitated such radical divine intervention.

Genesis 7 22 Commentary

Genesis 7:22 stands as a solemn declaration of God's universal and just judgment. The meticulous description of "all" life with the "breath of the spirit of life" in "nostrils" and on "dry land" dying underlines several key theological points. First, it powerfully reaffirms God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, particularly life and death. The breath (nishmat ruach chayyim) given in creation (Gen 2:7) is now systematically withdrawn. This is not random devastation but a deliberate act of divine reckoning. Second, it highlights the profundity of human wickedness which had corrupted even the animal kingdom associated with the "dry land," leading to such an all-encompassing sentence. The land, once pristine, had become defiled. Third, the precision in defining who died (air-breathing creatures on dry land) serves as a stark counterpoint to the lives preserved in the ark. It implicitly acknowledges God's complete control and His precise fulfillment of His word, preserving specific categories of life even in the midst of global catastrophe. This verse, therefore, is not just a historical detail but a profound theological statement on sin, divine judgment, and the source and sustenance of all life.

Examples for practical usage:

• Reflects on the sanctity of life as a divine gift, not merely a biological phenomenon.
• Reinforces accountability for sin, leading to comprehensive consequences.
• Highlights God's absolute authority as creator and sustainer of life, from whom all life proceeds and to whom all life returns.