Commentary on Genesis 6:1

Genesis 6:1 states, "And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them." This introductory verse sets the stage for one of the most pivotal narratives in Scripture, reflecting the increase of humanity and the implications of such growth.

Context and Background

The events of Genesis 6 occur in the broader context of the early chapters of Genesis, which detail the creation, the fall, and the early expressions of humanity. The exponential growth of human population brings with it significant moral and social challenges.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry reminds readers that the multiplication of mankind was in accordance with God’s command given in Genesis 1:28 to "be fruitful and multiply." He highlights that such growth, while a fulfillment of divine purpose, also sets the stage for subsequent divine judgment due to the sinfulness that accompanies human expansion.

• Divine Sovereignty: Henry emphasizes God's sovereignty, noting that the continuation of humanity in vast numbers assures God's plan unfolds as intended despite human sin.
• Moral Decline: He warns that with the increase in population, so too comes an increase in wickedness, foreshadowing the coming judgment of the flood.

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes presents a detailed examination of the phrase "when men began to multiply." He posits that this multiplication signifies not only growth in numbers but also growth in wickedness:

• Social Structures: Barnes notes how the development of societal structures coincided with this increase, leading to complex human interactions filled with both noble and ignoble aspirations.
• Daughters Born: The mention of daughters is critical, as it underscores the potential for further moral decline, representing the introduction of partnerships that could easily lead to corruption and degradation.

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke offers a theological reflection on the implications of verse 1, focusing on the spiritual dimensions of human relationships:

• Human Relationships: Clarke points out that the birth of daughters implies the establishment of family units, significant within the theological narrative as it paves the way for critical biblical figures to emerge.
• Call to Responsibility: The emphasis on human responsibility arises from avenues for sin that such relationships present, highlighting the need for divine intervention—as later depicted with the flood.

Theological Reflections

The significance of Genesis 6:1 extends beyond a mere historical record; it invites readers to reflect on the nature of humanity, the divine command for population growth, and the resultant implications:

• Divine Blessing and Judgment: The juxtaposition of divine blessing (the command to multiply) with impending judgment reminds scholars of the delicate balance between God’s grace and God’s justice.
• The Nature of Sin: As population increases, so does the potential for sin, highlighting a critical theme that continues throughout the Scriptures—the propensity of humanity towards rebellion against God.

Conclusion

Genesis 6:1 is not only a statement of fact regarding humanity’s growth but a profound commentary on the human condition, the grace of God, and the seriousness of sin. The insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke provide a multi-faceted understanding of this verse, enabling pastors, students, theologians, and biblical scholars to grasp the intricate relationship between divine command, human agency, and the resultant ethical implications.