Genesis 7:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Every living creature outside the ark—birds, livestock, wild animals, insects, and all humans—dies in the flood.
The Context of Genesis 7:21
Universal death of all land-dwelling creatures outside the ark.
What Does Genesis 7:21 Mean?
The catalog of death parallels the catalog of preserved creatures, but with opposite outcome. Birds that flew, cattle that grazed, beasts that roamed, creeping things that crawled—all die. The repetition of categories emphasizes completeness: nothing escapes. Every creature type that boarded the ark survives; every creature type outside the ark perishes.
The specific inclusion of every man underscores that human death is universal outside the ark. No human wisdom, strength, building skill, or ingenuity saves anyone. Only those chosen by God and entering His vessel survive. For those outside, death is total and inescapable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 7:21
What does Genesis 7:21 mean?
Every living creature outside the ark—birds, livestock, wild animals, insects, and all humans—dies in the flood.
What is the context of Genesis 7:21?
Universal death of all land-dwelling creatures outside the ark.