Universal Sin vs. Noah's Era: A Biblical Paradox?
In this article, you will learn how Genesis 6:5 contradicts Psalm 14:3, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Romans 3:23, Romans 3:10 and 1 John 1:8. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
Within the ancient texts of the Bible, certain verses present us with an intriguing paradox regarding human nature and sinfulness. In Genesis 6:5, attributed to Moses, we find a depiction of profound depravity: "God saw that people were thinking and doing bad things all the time, everywhere." This observation highlights the uniquely excessive wickedness during Noah's time, ultimately leading to the Great Flood. It conveys a moment in history when humanity was deeply entrenched in immorality.
However, when we turn to other parts of the Bible, we encounter verses suggesting a continual, universal sinfulness that transcends specific time periods. Psalm 14:3 emphasizes that "there is none that doeth good, no, not one," extending this condition of corruption to all humanity, not just during Noah's era. Similarly, Ecclesiastes 7:20 declares, "there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not," reinforcing the idea of an ongoing universal imperfection.
In the New Testament, Romans 3:23 and Romans 3:10 echo this sentiment by affirming "all have sinned" and "there is none righteous, no, not one," asserting that human sinfulness is a pervasive condition. Finally, 1 John 1:8 warns against self-deception in claiming sinlessness, stating, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
This raises an intriguing question: If Genesis 6:5 specifies a time of extraordinary wickedness, how do we reconcile it with these verses that depict universal and timeless human sin? It’s akin to describing a rainy day in a historically rainy season. Is the rain on that specific day more an indication of unique conditions, or merely part of a broader climate pattern? This biblical paradox invites us to consider the complexities of human morality and divine perspective throughout history.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Genesis 6:5 | And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually. [every...: or, the whole imagination: the Hebrew word signifieth not only the imagination, but also the purposes and desires] [continually: Heb. every day] |
| 2. | Psalm 14:3 | They are all gone aside, they are [all] together become filthy: [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one. [filthy: Heb. stinking] |
| 3. | Ecclesiastes 7:20 | For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. |
| 4. | Romans 3:23 | For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; |
| 5. | Romans 3:10 | As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: |
| 6. | 1 John 1:8 | If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. |