Old Testament
Genesis 6:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So the LORD said, "I will wipe out every human being I have created from the face of the earth — along with the animals, the birds, and everything that crawls on the ground. I regret making all of it."
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And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
What Genesis 6:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, God expresses deep sorrow over the state of humanity. He sees the corruption and violence that have spread across the earth, leading Him to a painful decision. God declares that He will remove every living being He created, including humans, animals, and birds. This reflects His regret for making them, highlighting the seriousness of their actions. It’s a moment of divine judgment, showing that God cares deeply about the world He created. His decision is not made lightly; it comes from a place of heartbreak over the choices people have made. This passage reveals the weight of responsibility that comes with creation and the consequences of turning away from goodness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with God’s intentions for us and the world around us. God’s sorrow invites us to reflect on our own lives and choices, urging us to seek a path that aligns with love and righteousness, rather than destruction and regret. This is a call to consider the impact of our actions.
How to apply Genesis 6:7 to your life
Reflect on your own life and the choices you make daily. Consider how your actions affect others and the world around you. Strive to live in a way that promotes goodness and harmony, rather than causing harm or regret. Remember that every decision has consequences, both for you and for those around you. Choose wisely and compassionately in your interactions with others and the environment around you. “Be the change you wish to see.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Noah's story: God Tells Noah to Build an Ark (Genesis 6:5–22)
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Noah
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Genesis 6:7
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 6:7 mean?
Genesis 6:7 expresses God's sorrow over humanity's corruption and violence, leading Him to decide to wipe out all living beings He created. This verse highlights the seriousness of human actions and the consequences of turning away from goodness.
What is the meaning of regret in Genesis 6:7?
In Genesis 6:7, God's regret signifies His deep sorrow over the state of creation due to human wickedness. It reflects the emotional weight of His decision to bring judgment on a world that has strayed from His intentions.
Why does God say He will wipe out every human being in Genesis 6:7?
God states He will wipe out every human being in response to the widespread corruption and violence that has filled the earth. This decision reflects His heartbreak over the choices people have made.
What themes are present in Genesis 6:7?
Themes in Genesis 6:7 include divine judgment, regret, the consequences of humanity's choices, and the sorrow of creation. It serves as a reminder of the impact of our actions on ourselves and the world.
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