Lutheran Lens Commentary: Genesis 6:1-8

Lutheran Lens Reading of Genesis 6:1-8

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read Genesis 6:1-8 through the lens of Law and Gospel, understanding it as a profound illustration of humanity's sinfulness and God's righteous judgment — Law — yet also pointing forward to the Gospel promise. The passage shows the corruption of humanity and God's sorrowful decision to limit human lifespan, reflecting the depth of original sin. However, in the midst of judgment, Noah finds favor with God, which we interpret as a foreshadowing of the Gospel — God's grace given not because of human merit but because of His sovereign choice. This anticipates the ultimate grace given in Christ, the true ark of salvation.

Key Language Decisions

The Hebrew term 'nephilim' in verse 4, often translated as 'giants' or 'fallen ones,' underscores the pervasive sinfulness and violence in pre-flood humanity, supporting the Law's function of exposing sin. The phrase 'found favor' in verse 8 (Hebrew: 'chen') highlights unmerited grace, aligning with our emphasis on justification by faith alone, where favor is a gift, not a reward. This tradition emphasizes the received text's portrayal of divine sorrow over human sinfulness, which necessitates divine intervention.

Where Traditions Diverge

Unlike some Reformed traditions that might focus on covenant theology emphasizing human responsibility in maintaining covenant faithfulness, we emphasize God's unilateral grace even when humanity is fully corrupt. Catholic interpretations may stress the righteousness of Noah as meritorious, whereas we maintain that his favor with God is purely grace-based, not a result of human merit. This difference is crucial as it underscores the distinction between grace as gift versus grace as reward.

Pastoral Application

In preaching this passage, Lutheran pastors should emphasize the reality of sin and God's righteous judgment as the Law's work — a mirror showing our total inability to save ourselves. Yet, we must also proclaim the Gospel's promise: just as Noah found favor amidst corruption, so we find grace in Christ. The congregation should hear that just like in Noah's time, God's grace acts sovereignly, saving us through His means of grace, chiefly Baptism, which delivers us from the 'flood' of sin. Our task is not to moralize but to point to Christ, the true refuge and ark of salvation.

Cross-References: Romans 3:23 — highlighting the universality of sin; Ephesians 2:8-9 — emphasizing grace as a gift, not of works; 1 Peter 3:20-21 — drawing connections between the flood and baptism; Isaiah 54:9 — God's covenant faithfulness despite human sin; Matthew 24:37-39 — Christ's reference to the days of Noah as a warning

Doctrinal Connections: simul justus et peccator — the dual reality of being sinful yet justified; the theology of the cross — God's revelation in judgment and grace; justification by faith alone — Noah's favor as a type of grace; original sin — the total corruption of humanity; the means of grace — prefigured in the deliverance through Noah