Genesis 1:20

KJV

¶ And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl [that] may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} said {H559}, Let the waters {H4325} bring forth abundantly {H8317} the moving creature {H8318} that hath {H5315} life {H2416}, and fowl {H5775} that may fly {H5774} above {H5921} the earth {H776} in the open {H6440} firmament {H7549} of heaven {H8064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God said, “Let the water swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open dome of the sky.”

Berean Standard Bible

And God said, “Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.”

American Standard Version

And God said, Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 1:20 inaugurates the fifth day of creation, demonstrating God's boundless power as He commands the waters and the skies to teem with life. This verse highlights the divine orchestration of the cosmos, where the Creator's spoken word populates the previously prepared aquatic and aerial environments with a vibrant abundance of living creatures.

### CONTEXT
This verse follows the foundational acts of creation: the separation of light from darkness on [day one](/genesis/1-3 "God speaks light into existence in Genesis 1:3"), the establishment of the [firmament (sky) on day two](/genesis/1-6 "The creation of the firmament on day two"), and the emergence of [dry land and vegetation on day three](/genesis/1-9 "Genesis 1:9 describes dry land and vegetation"). On [day four](/genesis/1-14 "The creation of the sun, moon, and stars on day four"), God set the celestial bodies in place. Now, having meticulously prepared the earth's environments, God proceeds to fill the waters and the skies, demonstrating a purposeful and orderly progression in His creative design.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

* **And God said**: This declarative phrase, echoing throughout the creation account (e.g., [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "God speaks light into existence in Genesis 1:3")), underscores the sheer power and authority of God's spoken word. Creation is not a laborious process but an effortless act of divine *fiat*. It emphasizes that existence itself is contingent upon the unchallengeable command of the Almighty, revealing His absolute sovereignty over all things.

* **Let the waters bring forth abundantly**: The command for the "waters" to "bring forth" signifies God's utilization of existing elements as a medium for life, rather than creating *ex nihilo* in this instance. This highlights God's immanence, His active working within His created order. The Hebrew term for "bring forth abundantly" (שרץ, *sherets*) conveys the idea of teeming, swarming, or multiplying rapidly. It speaks to the immense quantity and prolific nature of the life God intended for the aquatic realms, demonstrating His generous and overflowing creativity.

* **the moving creature that hath life**: This phrase translates the Hebrew *sherets nephesh chayyah* (שרץ נפש חיה). *Sherets* refers to small, swarming creatures, often aquatic. More significantly, *nephesh chayyah* literally means "living soul" or "living being." While distinct from the *nephesh* of humanity (which is uniquely made in God's image, as seen in [Genesis 1:26-27](/genesis/1-26 "Humanity created in God's image")), this term indicates that these creatures possess a vital, animated life force, endowed by God Himself. It affirms that even the smallest and most seemingly insignificant creatures are endowed with life by divine intent.

* **and fowl [that] may fly above the earth**: The Hebrew word for "fowl" (*oph*, עוף) is a broad term encompassing all flying creatures, including birds and possibly winged insects. This command extends God's creative activity beyond the waters to the aerial domain, filling the skies with diverse forms of life. It demonstrates God's comprehensive design, ensuring every prepared environment is populated according to His perfect plan.

* **in the open firmament of heaven**: This refers to the *raqia* (רקיע), the expanse or sky, which God established on [day two](/genesis/1-6 "The creation of the firmament on day two") by separating the waters above from the waters below. This detail emphasizes God's meticulous preparation of the environment before introducing the life forms that would inhabit it. The "open" firmament highlights the vast, unhindered space created for these flying creatures to inhabit and thrive, reflecting the purposeful design of the Creator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

* God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence are powerfully displayed as His spoken word effortlessly brings forth complex life forms.
* The inherent value of all biological life, from the smallest aquatic creature to the largest bird, is affirmed by its endowment with *nephesh chayyah* through divine decree.
* God's meticulous wisdom and orderly progression in creation are evident in His preparation of environments (firmament, waters) before populating them with suitable life forms.
* Divine abundance and generosity are manifest in the command for the waters to "bring forth abundantly," filling creation with a rich diversity of living beings.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 1:20 calls us to a profound appreciation for the intricate beauty and immense diversity of God's creation. As we observe the teeming life in the oceans or the birds soaring through the sky, we are invited to marvel at the boundless power and meticulous care of our Creator. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that all life originates from God, prompting us to worship Him as the author and sustainer of every living creature and to consider our role in stewarding His magnificent handiwork.

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the term "living creature" (_nephesh chayyah_) applied to animals?**

Answer: The term *nephesh chayyah* (literally "living soul" or "living being") indicates that these creatures possess a vital, animated life force, directly endowed by God. While it signifies that animals are more than mere automatons, possessing a capacity for sensation and movement, it is distinct from the *nephesh* of humanity, which is uniquely created in God's image and likeness, signifying a spiritual and rational capacity for relationship with God (see [Genesis 1:26-27](/genesis/1-26 "Humanity created in God's image")).

**Why are aquatic and flying creatures created on the same day?**

Answer: The creation of aquatic and flying creatures on the fifth day highlights God's orderly and purposeful design in populating the realms He prepared on previous days. On day two, God created the [firmament](/genesis/1-6 "The creation of the firmament on day two"), separating the waters above from the waters below. The fifth day then fills both of these related environments: the waters below with aquatic life, and the "open firmament of heaven" (the space above the earth, beneath the waters above) with flying creatures. This demonstrates a cohesive plan for filling the vast, open spaces of the earth and sky.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 1:20, with its emphasis on God's creative word bringing forth abundant life, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The Apostle John declares that "all things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "All things were made through Christ")). Thus, the divine *fiat* that commanded the waters and skies to teem with life was the very Word, the pre-existent Christ, through whom the cosmos was fashioned. He is not only the agent of creation but also its sustainer ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Christ sustains all things")), and ultimately, the one who redeems and renews all of creation, restoring it to its intended glory through His redemptive work ([Romans 8:19-21](/romans/8-19 "Creation groans for redemption")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.