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Genesis 1:1

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¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

In the beginning {H7225} God {H430} created {H1254}{H853} the heaven {H8064} and {H853} the earth {H776}.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Commentary

Genesis 1:1 (KJV)

"¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."

Commentary

This foundational verse of the Bible introduces the entire narrative, establishing the ultimate reality: God is the sole, eternal Creator of all things. It stands in stark contrast to ancient creation myths from surrounding cultures, which often involved multiple warring deities or impersonal forces.

Key Themes:

  • Sovereignty of God: God exists before creation and is the active agent bringing it into being.
  • Creation ex nihilo (out of nothing): While the phrase "out of nothing" isn't explicitly used, the statement that God "created" implies a bringing into existence where nothing existed before, particularly in the sense of bringing order and existence to the universe.
  • Originality and Uniqueness: This verse declares a unique event – the absolute beginning of the cosmos as we know it, initiated by God alone.

Linguistic Insight:

The Hebrew word translated "created" is bara' (בָּרָא). This verb is used exclusively in the Old Testament to describe divine activity, particularly the bringing into existence of something new or unique, often without reference to pre-existing material. It emphasizes God's powerful and unique ability to originate.

Cross-Reference:

The New Testament echoes this theme, identifying the Creator as the Word, who is God: John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16.

Reflection:

This verse is the bedrock of biblical theology. It calls us to recognize God as the ultimate source of reality, meaning, and purpose. Understanding this fundamental truth shapes our worldview, our understanding of ourselves, and our relationship with the universe.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 1:1 (304 votes)

    ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

  • John 1:3 (304 votes)

    All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

  • Hebrews 11:3 (238 votes)

    Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

  • Isaiah 45:18 (200 votes)

    For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I [am] the LORD; and [there is] none else.

  • Revelation 4:11 (165 votes)

    Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

  • Hebrews 1:10 (158 votes)

    And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

  • Isaiah 42:5 (134 votes)

    ¶ Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: