And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
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Ephrem The Syrian
AD 373
After Moses spoke about the mighty men who were born into the tribe of Cain, whose women, even though beautiful, were nevertheless smaller than the sons of Seth, he then said, “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was always evil,” for in the years given to them for repentance they had increased their sins. “The wickedness of mankind was great in the earth,” that is, evil extended and spread throughout both those tribes. “The inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was always evil,” for their sins were not committed only occasionally, but their sins were incessant. Night and day they would not desist from their wicked thoughts. .
At all times. Hebrew: only evil continually. They had no relish for any thing else: as we may say of a glutton, he thinks of nothing but his belly. Yet some good thoughts would occur occasionally, and we may grant that they did some things which were not sinful. (Menochius)
If we follow corrupt nature, and live among sinners, we find a law within us warring against the spirit; and a very powerful grace is necessary to rescue us from such a dangerous situation. (Calmet)
Though the expressions in this place seem general, they must be understood with some limitations. (Worthington)
