Definition: And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also [is] flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really fascinating verse from Genesis 6:3. It’s a pretty complex passage, but I'll try to explain it in a way that’s easy to understand. Here’s the gist of it: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s relationship with humanity and warns about a potential future crisis. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the LORD said…” : This sets the scene – it's a conversation between God and someone (likely humanity). “…My spirit shall not always strive with man…” : This is the first part . God isn’t constantly fighting or trying to control people. He has a plan, and that plan doesn't require constant conflict. It's about a long-term relationship. “for that he also [is] flesh:” – This is where it gets interesting. The word “also” here means "also" or "too." It’s adding a crucial detail: God is human, just like us! This isn't just about him having a physical body; he has a human spirit . “yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” : This is the core of the verse. God promises to remain with humanity for a very long time – 120 years. So, what does it mean? This verse paints a picture of a long-term covenant between God and humankind. It suggests that God will continue to be involved in the world and its people, but not in a way that’s constantly battling or trying to dominate us. It's a promise of enduring relationship. Important Context: This is part of a larger story in Genesis about the beginning of humanity. The idea behind this verse is that God created humans to be fruitful and multiply – to fill the earth and become a blessing. However, as time passes, there’s a growing threat – humanity isn't fulfilling its potential or living according to God’s will. In simpler terms: God is committed to watching over humanity for a very long time, offering them a chance to grow and flourish but also understanding that they need guidance and protection. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Give you a quick summary of the bigger story it's part of?