Opening Your Bible
Loading study tools and insights...
LOADING
Loading study tools and insights...
Loading study tools and insights...
Genesis 7:23 (BSB)
And every living thing on the face of the earth was destroyed—man and livestock, crawling creatures and birds of the air; they were blotted out from the earth, and only Noah and those with him in the ark remained.
THE HOLY BIBLE
ListenListen · Chapter audio
Hear this chapter read aloud — the verse you’re on highlights as the reading moves forward.
Chapter read aloud · verse highlights follow along
Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“And every living thing on the face of the earth was destroyed—man and livestock, crawling creatures and birds of the air; they were blotted out from the earth, and only Noah and those with him in the ark remained.” — Genesis 7:23
This verse depicts the aftermath of the flood, where God wiped out all living creatures on earth due to their wickedness - except Noah, his family, and the animals in the ark. It's a sobering picture of God's judgement, but also a testament to His grace and mercy to those who obey Him.
Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelite people, wrote this. He included this detail to emphasize the severity of God's judgment on sin, but also the hope found in obedience. Noah's story is a reminder of God's willingness to preserve those who walk faithfully with Him, despite the surrounding corruption.
This event occurred early in human history, in a world consumed by sin. Culturally, this was a pre-Abrahamic society with no formal religious system. The flood became a historical turning point, marking a fresh new start for humanity under God's covenant promise.
Genesis 7:23 is a reminder that our actions matter to God. While our world may not be physically destroyed in a flood, God still sees and judges sin. Yet, it also shows God's grace and willingness to save those who turn to Him - a theme that continues throughout the Bible and culminates in Jesus.
As modern believers, we can apply this verse by living in obedience to God, even when society does not. We can also take comfort in knowing that God sees, rewards faithfulness, and provides salvation - a hope we can share with those around us.
This verse is the climax of the flood narrative in Genesis 7. Following the flood, God makes a covenant with Noah (and all of humanity), promising never to destroy the earth by flood again.
How does the understanding of God's judgement and grace in this verse affect your view of sin and obedience? What steps can you take to live more faithfully amidst a culture that may not honor God?
Keep reading the full Genesis 7:23 study — free
Sign Up or Login Free