Genesis 7:21
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:
Genesis 7:21 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "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," from the Bible describes a catastrophic event known as the Great Flood. In this passage, God is punishing mankind for their wickedness and sinfulness by sending a great flood to cover the earth. The floodwaters destroyed all living creatures that lived on the land, sparing only Noah, his family, and pairs of animals that were saved on the ark. This event serves as a warning of God's power and judgment upon those who do not follow his commands. It also symbolizes the importance of righteousness and obedience to God's will. The verse highlights the consequences of disobedience and the importance of living a life in accordance with God's teachings.
Theological Overview
Genesis 7:21 describes the devastating effects of the Flood sent by God to cleanse the earth of sin and wickedness. The phrase "all flesh died that moved upon the earth" emphasizes the thoroughness of the judgment, sparing no living creature except those on the ark. The inclusion of fowl, cattle, beasts, and creeping things further underscores the scope of the destruction. This verse is a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God and serves as a powerful demonstration of His justice and power. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to bring judgment upon the earth. Word studies on terms like "flesh" and "moved" can deepen our understanding of the verse, shedding light on the significance of the destruction of all living creatures. Overall, Genesis 7:21 offers a sobering lesson on the consequences of sin and the righteousness of God's judgment.
Genesis 7:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both birds, and cattle, and beasts, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:
World English Bible
All flesh died that moved on the earth, including birds, livestock, animals, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, and every man.
Douay-Rheims
And all flesh was destroyed that moved upon the earth, both of fowl and of cattle, and of beasts, and of all creeping things that creep upon the earth: and all men.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then all flesh perished that moued vpon the earth, both foule and cattell and beast, and euery thing that creepeth and moueth vpon the earth, and euery man.