Genesis 6:11 Meaning and Explanation
“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The earth is filled with corruption and violence before God.
The Context of Genesis 6:11
The corruption of the earth itself is described.
What Does Genesis 6:11 Mean?
The narrative shifts to describe the earth itself—not just humanity's heart, but the manifest state of creation. The earth is 'corrupt' (shachat)—spoiled, ruined, marred in its very fabric. It is 'filled with violence' (chamas)—wrongdoing and force, the doing of wrong by power. Before God, this condition is visible and real. The earth, which was called good at creation, has been degraded by what humans have done within it.
The corruption is not merely internal (thoughts) but structural—violence fills the land, disorder pervades relationships and society. This is why judgment must encompass the whole earth, not just individual humans. Creation itself has been marred and requires cleansing.
Genesis 6:11 in the Original Language
shachat (שָׁחַת), 'corrupt' — to spoil, ruin, mar, or make bad; describes degradation and decay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 6:11
What does Genesis 6:11 mean?
The earth is filled with corruption and violence before God.
What is the context of Genesis 6:11?
The corruption of the earth itself is described.