Old Testament

Genesis 6:17

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, God announces a significant and devastating event: a flood that will cover the earth.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

I am about to flood the earth with water and destroy every living thing under the sky that has breath in it. Everything on earth will die.

KJVKing James Version

And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God announces a significant and devastating event: a flood that will cover the earth. This flood is not just a natural disaster; it represents a divine decision to cleanse the world of its corruption and violence. Every living creature that breathes will perish, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The flood symbolizes a fresh start, but it also serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from what is good and just. God’s intention is clear: to remove the wickedness that has taken over. This moment is pivotal in the biblical narrative, showing both God's judgment and His desire for renewal. It reminds us that actions have consequences, and that there is a time for reckoning. The flood is a call to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make, urging us to seek a path that aligns with goodness and righteousness, rather than destruction and despair. Understanding this helps us grasp the depth of God's commitment to justice and the importance of living in harmony with His will.

Key themes

Related topics

judgment, renewal, consequences

How to apply Genesis 6:17 to your life

This verse challenges us to consider the impact of our actions on ourselves and others. It encourages us to reflect on our choices and strive for a life that promotes goodness. By aligning our lives with positive values, we can contribute to a better world and avoid destructive paths. Embrace the opportunity for renewal in your own life today!

Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Genesis 6:17 mean?

Genesis 6:17 conveys God's decision to send a flood to cleanse the earth of its corruption. It signifies a divine judgment where every living creature that breathes will perish, emphasizing the seriousness of humanity's wickedness.

What is the significance of the flood in Genesis 6:17?

The flood in Genesis 6:17 represents both judgment and a fresh start for creation. It highlights the consequences of turning away from goodness and serves as a warning about the impact of corruption and violence.

What does 'breath of life' mean in Genesis 6:17?

The phrase 'breath of life' in Genesis 6:17 refers to all living beings that possess life. It underscores the totality of the destruction that God intends to bring upon the earth due to widespread wickedness.

How does Genesis 6:17 relate to themes of renewal?

Genesis 6:17 relates to renewal by showing that the flood serves as a means to cleanse the earth and start anew. It emphasizes that after judgment, there is an opportunity for a fresh beginning free from corruption.

The Book of Genesis
Book Summary

The Book of Genesis

Genesis 1: Creation

God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.

Premium

Unlock the full Genesis summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.