Genesis 6:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God limits human lifespan to 120 years in response to the crisis.
The Context of Genesis 6:3
God responds to the boundary-crossing with a decree about human lifespan.
What Does Genesis 6:3 Mean?
God responds by establishing a boundary on human existence: the divine spirit will not contend with humankind forever. The reason given is humanity's fleshly nature—a statement of condition, not condemnation. God sets a limit: 120 years for human life. This declaration reflects divine restraint: God will not perpetually struggle with humanity, but permits a grace period before judgment comes.
The 120-year window may represent the time until the flood, or a general lifespan limit for all subsequent humans. Either way, it is a boundary—a decision about the terms on which God and humanity will coexist. The divine 'striving' (ruwach, spirit) suggests ongoing negotiation or even wrestling, now limited in duration.
Genesis 6:3 in the Original Language
yadin (יָדִין), 'strive/judge' — root meaning 'to govern' or 'to contend'; conveys both judgment and wrestling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 6:3
What does Genesis 6:3 mean?
God limits human lifespan to 120 years in response to the crisis.
What is the context of Genesis 6:3?
God responds to the boundary-crossing with a decree about human lifespan.