Genesis 6:5

Authorized King James Version

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֣רְא

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

And GOD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

רַבָּ֛ה

H7227

was great

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

רַ֖ע

H7451

evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

הָאָדָ֖ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

בָּאָ֑רֶץ

H776

in the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יֵ֙צֶר֙

H3336

and that every imagination

a form; figuratively, conception (i.e., purpose)

#10

מַחְשְׁבֹ֣ת

H4284

of the thoughts

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

#11

לִבּ֔וֹ

H3820

of his heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#12

רַ֥ק

H7535

was only

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

#13

רַ֖ע

H7451

evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#14

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#15

הַיּֽוֹם׃

H3117

continually

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline