Genesis 1:10

And God called the dry [land] Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that [it was] good.

And God {H430} called {H7121} the dry {H3004} land Earth {H776}; and the gathering together {H4723} of the waters {H4325} called {H7121} he Seas {H3220}: and God {H430} saw {H7200} that it was good {H2896}.

God called the dry land Earth, the gathering together of the water he called Seas, and God saw that it was good.

God called the dry land “earth,” and the gathering of waters He called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.

And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.

Commentary

Genesis 1:10 describes the completion of the third day of creation, detailing God's specific naming of the newly formed distinct geographical features: the dry ground and the bodies of water. This act of naming signifies God's sovereign authority and purposeful design.

Context

This verse follows directly from God's command in Genesis 1:9 for the waters under the heaven to be gathered together into one place, allowing the dry land to appear. Having separated light from darkness (Day 1) and the waters above from the waters below (Day 2), God now meticulously organizes the terrestrial and aquatic environments. The naming of "Earth" (the dry land) and "Seas" formalizes their existence and purpose within His grand design, demonstrating a progression from separation to organization and identification.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Naming: God's act of naming the dry land "Earth" and the gathered waters "Seas" is more than just identification; it signifies His absolute authority and ownership over creation. Naming in ancient cultures, particularly in a divine context, often denoted power, dominion, and the establishment of identity and purpose.
  • Separation and Distinction: The creation narrative emphasizes God's methodical process of separating and distinguishing elements. Here, the clear demarcation between land and sea creates diverse habitats, essential for the life that will soon fill them. This theme of separation is foundational to God's creative work.
  • God's Approval ("it was good"): The recurring phrase "God saw that it was good" appears again, affirming the perfection, functionality, and inherent beauty of this stage of creation. It underscores God's satisfaction with His work, indicating that it perfectly fulfilled His intended purpose and was ready for the next phases of life. This declaration culminates later in Genesis 1:31 where all creation is declared "very good."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "Earth" here is 'erets (אֶרֶץ), which can refer to the whole planet, a specific land, or, as in this context, the dry ground in contrast to the waters. "Seas" comes from yamim (יַמִּים), the plural form of yam, emphasizing the vastness and multiple bodies of water. The word "good" is tov (טוֹב), which implies not merely functional or aesthetically pleasing, but also right, perfect, and fulfilling its intended purpose in God's eyes.

Practical Application

Genesis 1:10 invites us to marvel at the wisdom and order of God's creation. It reminds us that our world, with its distinct landmasses and bodies of water, is not a product of chaos but of divine design. This verse encourages an appreciation for the natural world and acknowledges God as its sovereign Creator. It also highlights the principle that God's work is always purposeful and inherently good, providing a foundation for understanding the order and beauty we observe in the world around us. Just as God established order, we are called to be good stewards of the Earth, recognizing its divine origin and inherent value (Psalm 24:1).

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 32:4 (2 votes)

    [He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.

  • Psalms 104:31 (-1 votes)

    ¶ The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works.

  • Genesis 1:4 (-2 votes)

    And God saw the light, that [it was] good: and God divided the light from the darkness.