Study note

Genesis 6:17

will bring floodwaters upon the earth: Some scholars suggest the great flood might have only covered the ancient Near East, as known to Noah or Moses. But the flood's purpose was to destroy every living thing that breathes (see also 6:7, 11–13; 7:1, 4, 18–23; 8:21). It was also intended to undo creation (see study notes on 1:9–10; 7:11–12). This suggests the great flood covered the entire planet (see also 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5; 3:6).