Book of Genesis - Chapter 6 - Verse 3

The verse "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." is a reflection of God's mercy and judgment towards humanity. In this verse, God is expressing His patience with mankind despite their sinful nature. The phrase "My spirit shall not always strive with man" indicates that God's grace and patience have a limit, and there will come a point when He will no longer strive with humanity to turn away from sin. However, God's mercy is shown through the statement "yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years," allowing mankind a set amount of time to repent and turn back to Him. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging our sinful nature, seeking forgiveness, and living a life that is pleasing to God before the time of judgment comes.

The theological interpretation of Genesis 6:3 is significant in understanding the relationship between God and humanity. In this verse, the LORD declares that His spirit will not always strive with man, indicating a boundary or limit to divine patience with human rebellion and sin. Despite the spiritual potential for communion with God, humans are tied to their fleshly, sinful nature, which inevitably leads to a separation from God. The phrase "yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years" is often interpreted as a reference to the length of time before the coming flood, which serves as a divine warning and a call to repentance. Additionally, the idea of 120 years can symbolize a fullness of time or a period of probation for humanity. Through this verse, we see a complex interplay between God's mercy and judgment, highlighting the importance of human response to divine grace and the consequences of spiritual obstinacy.