Genesis 6:5

English NET Bible - 2005 (New English Translation)

But the LORD saw that the wickedness of humankind had become great on the earth. Every inclination of the thoughts of their minds was only evil all the time.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that God saw how bad people were behaving. He noticed that everyone was thinking evil thoughts all the time. It's a message from God showing how deeply human nature can go wrong.

Explained for Children

Imagine if everyone in the world decided to be mean all the time. That's what God saw here. It's like if your friends always wanted to play mean games instead of nice ones.

Historical Background

Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE. This part is set before the Flood, when human behavior had turned wicked. It was written to remind the Israelites of God's judgment and the need for righteousness.

Living It Out Today

Today, we can see this as a warning to check our own thoughts and actions. If we find ourselves always thinking bad things or acting unkindly, it's a sign we need to turn back to God.

Topics

sinjudgmenthuman natureevilrepentanceGod's perspective

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually' mean?

It means that people were constantly thinking and planning evil things, showing a deep corruption of heart.

Was there anyone good during this time?

The Bible indicates that Noah and his family were righteous during this time, standing out against the wickedness of others.

How does this verse relate to modern life?

It reminds us that without God, human nature can turn to wickedness. We need to stay close to God to avoid falling into evil thoughts and actions.

What can we learn about God's character from this verse?

We see God's justice and his deep concern for humanity. He cares about our actions and thoughts, and he acts when evil becomes too pervasive.

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