Genesis 6:9

These are the generations, &c. The heading, or superscription of a new section in the narrative of P; cf. Genesis 2:4; Genesis 5:1.

a righteous man The word "righteous" (ṣaddiq), which occupies such an important place in Biblical Theology, occurs here for the first time. The sense of "rectitude," or "uprightness," may be derived from a root-idea of "straightness." It is used of Noah again in Genesis 7:1: in Ezekiel 14:14; Ezekiel 14:20 Noah is mentioned, with Daniel and Job, as pre-eminent for "righteousness." Cf. also Sir 44:17, "Noah was found perfect and righteous; in the season of wrath he was taken in exchange for the world," and 2 Peter 2:5, "Noah … a preacher of righteousness."

perfect R.V. marg. blameless. Heb. tâmîm. The word "perfect" (LXX τέλειος, Lat. perfectus) means "without flaw." As a ritual term used of an animal for sacrifice, "perfect" would mean "free from blemish." Transferred to morals, it denotes "integrity," as in the account of Job (Job 1:1).

in his generations viz. amongst the people of his own generation, a different word in the Heb. from the one used in "these are the generations." It denotes the members of one family, dwelling together, e.g. grandfather, father, son.

walked with God See note on Genesis 5:22-24. The account of Noah as "righteous," "perfect," and "walking with God," embraces three aspects of the good and devout character, justice, purity, holiness.