Genesis 8:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God accepts Noah's sacrifice and vows never again to curse the ground or destroy all life despite human sinfulness.
The Context of Genesis 8:21
God accepts the sacrifice and commits to never again globally destroy life.
What Does Genesis 8:21 Mean?
God's reception of the offering—smelling a sweet savour—indicates pleasure and acceptance. In response, God makes a covenant promise: never again will the ground be cursed or all living things destroyed. This is a unilateral promise from God, not conditional on human behavior, revealing profound mercy.
Remarkably, God bases this promise not on human repentance but on realistic assessment: the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth. Despite knowing human nature remains sinful, God chooses mercy over judgment. This represents a fundamental shift in divine-human relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 8:21
What does Genesis 8:21 mean?
God accepts Noah's sacrifice and vows never again to curse the ground or destroy all life despite human sinfulness.
What is the context of Genesis 8:21?
God accepts the sacrifice and commits to never again globally destroy life.