Introduction
From the Treasure Tree Adam and Sunlight Tree Eve to Noah’s Ark, Sodom, and Gomorrah, One Piece borrows many names directly from the Old Testament. But beyond the names, there are also story structures in One Piece that parallel the Book of Genesis.
In fact, Genesis chapters 1–11 are almost fully paralleled in the arcs from Fishman Island to Dressrosa:
- Creation (Genesis 1)
- Adam and Eve / Paradise Lost (Genesis 2–3)
- Cain and Abel (Genesis 4)
- Noah’s Ark (Genesis 5–11)
- Tower of Babel (Genesis 11)
Creation
In Genesis, God creates the heavens, the earth, all life, and finally mankind over seven days.
In One Piece, this concept is mirrored by the Twenty Kings who created the World Government 800 years ago. Their descendants are the Celestial Dragons (Tenryuubito), elevated as “gods” ruling over mankind—an echo of biblical Creation.
Adam and Eve
Adam and Eve were the first humans created by Yahweh.
In One Piece, we see the Sunlight Tree Eve and the Treasure Tree Adam. Usopp immediately recognized them as a set, saying “Adam and Eve are one pair.”
He also pointed out that Sodom and Gomorrah—the names of the King Bulls in the Franky Family—were biblical names, proving he has knowledge of the Bible himself.
Paradise Lost
In Genesis, Adam and Eve were tempted by a serpent to eat the forbidden fruit, and as punishment they were expelled from Paradise.
In One Piece, this theme is reflected in Doflamingo’s father, who longed to return to the “paradise” of Mariejois but was rejected, losing everything.
Cain and Abel
Cain and Abel are the first murderer and his victim—two brothers born from Adam and Eve.
Both offered sacrifices to God, but when God favored Abel’s offering, Cain killed him out of jealousy.
In One Piece, this tragic parallel appears in the story of Doflamingo (Cain) and Corazon (Abel).
Noah’s Ark
In Genesis, Noah’s Ark preserved humanity during the flood meant to wipe out mankind. Flood myths like this appear across many cultures, often tied to gods destroying humanity for overpopulation.
In One Piece, the Ark Noah is not a builder, but the ship itself.
What We Know About Noah in One Piece:
- It was constructed in ancient times, by the combined effort of the Fishman Island people.
- Its purpose was to carry the entire population of Fishman Island to the surface.
- It was built for the Sea Kings to tow.
- The ship must not be damaged until the “Promised Day,” since its technology is no longer understood.
- Repairing it requires the mysterious power of a certain “clan,” though that era has already passed.
This means Noah was always meant as a “migration ship,” pulling all of Fishman Island’s residents to a new home on the surface.
The Tower of Babel
The Tower of Babel was built by Noah’s descendants who wanted to construct a tower strong enough to withstand another flood. God destroyed it—either by striking it directly or by dividing humanity’s languages so construction could no longer continue.
This echoes One Piece’s world, where originally animals, fish, Sea Kings, and humans all may have shared a common tongue.
Now, only certain individuals can bridge that gap:
- Fishmen can speak with fish.
- Chopper can communicate with animals.
- Shirahoshi can command the Sea Kings.
- Roger and Luffy can hear the “Voice of All Things.”
Is this a remnant of that original unified language?
Possible Real-World Connections
The old city of Sana’a in Yemen, a World Heritage Site, is said to have gates built by Shem, the son of Noah and ancestor of the Semitic peoples.
In One Piece, the design of these gates is reflected in the entrance to Zou’s Mokomo Dukedom.
If this holds true, then the Mink Tribe could represent the “pairs of animals” preserved in the Ark, while humanity perishes—leaving behind Fishmen, Minks, and a chosen “clan of D.”
Aaron, Brother of Moses
In the Bible, Aaron was the older brother of Moses. While Moses heard God’s voice, he struggled to deliver speeches, so Aaron became his spokesman, negotiating with Pharaoh and guiding the people.
This connects interestingly with One Piece’s Arlong, who shares the same name.
The Book of Ezra
The Book of Ezra recounts how the Jewish people, enslaved in Babylon, were freed when Cyrus of Persia conquered the city and allowed them to return home.
In One Piece, this is paralleled by Kyros, who freed the enslaved Tontatta from the SMILE factory—a direct homage to Cyrus the Great’s decree.
Conclusion
From Creation to Noah’s Ark and the Tower of Babel, the Old Testament’s Genesis is deeply embedded into One Piece’s worldbuilding.
The symbolism of divine creation, exile from paradise, brotherly betrayal, floods, and the scattering of languages all reappear in Oda’s story—reshaped into pirate adventures, yet still echoing humanity’s oldest myths.
This raises the question: Will One Piece’s “Promised Day” bring about a new flood, where only the chosen few survive? And if so, who are the ones destined to inherit the new world?
English One Piece theories
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