Genesis 7:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Scripture provides additional detail regarding the level to which the waters ascended, indicating that it reached fifteen cubits above the peaks of the mountains. Maintaining its characteristic accuracy, it further states, “and all flesh moving upon the earth, and birds, and cattle, and beasts, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and all men, were deprived of life.”

Do we really need to search far for illustrations when, as stated earlier, the scripture declares: Let the earth bring forth a living soul (Genesis 1:24)? Subsequently, when the narrative recounts the destruction that befell all inhabitants of the earth during the flood, it tells us: All that had the breath of the spirit of life in their nostrils on dry land died (Genesis 7:22). Therefore, if we observe similar phrases in reference to livestock, and note that in corresponding contexts the Greeks use πνοή instead of πνεὖμα, it becomes evident that Scripture refers to the soul as living simply based on the choice of language it employs.

In the time of Noah, all living beings were swept away by the flood, yet the righteous man and his family found salvation (see Gen. 7:21-23). The flood serves as a symbol of baptism (see sacr. 1:23; myst. 10-11). When a person’s earthly existence comes to an end, do they not experience perdition? The physical form may fade, but the inner self is rejuvenated (see 2 Cor. 4:16). This renewal occurs not only through baptism but also through repentance, as the apostle Paul clarifies: I have made up my mind, as if I were present with you, that anyone who has committed such an act should be turned over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit may be saved on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 5:3, 5).

Although the deluge was unleashed upon the earth as a consequence of human transgressions, it served to reveal the severity of humanity’s transgressions by also affecting the mindless creatures. This consequence is particularly striking as it resulted in the demise of countless animals. With humanity originating from a single pair, it could not have populated the entire earth in just over two millennia prior to the flood. Geological evidence indicates there was insufficient time for humans to inhabit even Europe before the flood, let alone other more remote regions of the world. After creation was established in a specific location, the people dispersed gradually from that center across the earth.