And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

GENESIS 6:13KJV
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Genesis 6:13 (KJV)

What does Genesis 6:13 mean?

Genesis 6:13 records God telling Noah that the world’s people have become so violent that God will bring an end to all living creatures by destroying them along with the earth. This verse explains why God decides to send the flood: the earth is filled with violence, and judgment is coming.

In this scene, God (not a human or angel) is speaking directly to Noah, warning him about the coming destruction. The verse highlights the seriousness of humanity’s corruption and sets the stage for the flood narrative. It shows that the decision is not random but a response to widespread violence and moral decay.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 6:13

  • "Flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar) here refers broadly to all living creatures, not just humans, emphasizing that the coming judgment will affect all life on earth.
  • "Violence" (חָמָס, chamas) means more than physical harm; it often includes injustice, cruelty, and moral corruption, showing the depth of the problem.
  • "Destroy" (שָׁחַת, shachat) can mean to ruin or corrupt, not just to kill, suggesting that the earth itself has been spoiled by human actions and will be undone as a result.

Why Genesis 6:13 matters

  • Genesis 6:13 makes clear that the flood is a direct response to human violence and corruption, not an arbitrary act by God.
  • The verse connects the fate of all living creatures ("flesh") with the actions of humanity, underlining the far-reaching consequences of moral choices.
  • This moment marks a turning point in the story, as God reveals His plan to Noah and begins the process of both judgment and, eventually, renewal.

Where else these words appear

“with” Hebrew H854 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
  • Genesis 26:24 And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.
  • Leviticus 5:7 And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.

“Noah” Hebrew H5146 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 5:29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.
  • Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
  • Genesis 9:17 And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.

“violence” Hebrew H2555 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
  • Psalms 72:14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
  • Jeremiah 51:46 And lest your heart faint, and ye fear for the rumour that shall be heard in the land; a rumour shall both come one year, and after that in another year shall come a rumour, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.

“end” Hebrew H7093 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
  • Job 6:11 What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?
  • Ezekiel 7:3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.