Genesis 1:21

And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that [it was] good.

And God {H430} created {H1254} great {H1419} whales {H8577}, and every living {H2416} creature {H5315} that moveth {H7430}, which the waters {H4325} brought forth abundantly {H8317}, after their kind {H4327}, and every winged {H3671} fowl {H5775} after his kind {H4327}: and God {H430} saw {H7200} that it was good {H2896}.

God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that creeps, so that the water swarmed with all kinds of them, and there was every kind of winged bird; and God saw that it was good.

So God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters teemed according to their kinds, and every bird of flight after its kind. And God saw that it was good.

And God created the great sea-monsters, and every living creature that moveth, wherewith the waters swarmed, after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind: and God saw that it was good.

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 1:21

Genesis 1:21 describes the fifth day of creation, where God brings forth a multitude of living creatures into the aquatic and aerial realms. Following His command in Genesis 1:20 for the waters to teem with life and for birds to fly, this verse details the fulfillment of that decree. It highlights God's creative power, His attention to variety, and the inherent goodness of His design.

Context

This verse is part of the foundational creation account in Genesis, which systematically describes God's work over six days. Day five follows the creation of the dry land, vegetation, and celestial bodies. Here, the focus shifts to animate life within the previously prepared environments of the waters and the expanse of the heavens. It sets the stage for the creation of land animals and humanity on day six, culminating in God's declaration that all His work was "very good" in Genesis 1:31.

Key Themes

  • Divine Creation of Life: God is presented as the direct and sole Creator of all complex biological life in the seas and air, demonstrating His immense power and sovereignty over all existence, from the heavens and the earth to the smallest creature.
  • Abundance and Diversity: The phrase "brought forth abundantly" underscores the sheer volume and variety of life God created, filling the world with a rich tapestry of creatures. This speaks to God's boundless creativity and generosity.
  • "After Their Kind": This recurring phrase (also seen in Genesis 1:24 for land animals) emphasizes the established order and distinct biological categories within creation. It implies that species reproduce within their own boundaries, maintaining the integrity of their forms.
  • God's Approval and Goodness: The repeated affirmation, "God saw that it was good," signifies His satisfaction with His work. It implies that creation was perfect in its design, function, and purpose, lacking nothing and fulfilling God's intentions.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Great Whales" (Hebrew: tanninim - ืชึผึทื ึผึดื™ื ึดื): The Hebrew word tanninim is often translated as "sea monsters," "dragons," or "large marine creatures," rather than exclusively referring to modern whales. This term emphasizes the immense size and formidable nature of these creatures, showcasing God's power over even the most awe-inspiring beings of the deep.
  • "Living Creature" (Hebrew: nephesh chayyah - ื ึถืคึถืฉื ื—ึทื™ึผึธื”): This phrase, applied here to aquatic and aerial life, literally means "living soul" or "breathing creature." It highlights that these beings possess life, breath, and a degree of animation, distinguishing them from the inanimate creation of earlier days.

Practical Application

Genesis 1:21 reminds us of the incredible diversity and intricate design present in the natural world, all originating from God's deliberate creative act. It encourages us to marvel at the complexity of marine life and the beauty of birds, recognizing them as testaments to the Creator's wisdom and power. Furthermore, the recurring declaration "God saw that it was good" invites us to appreciate the inherent value God places on His creation and to consider our role as stewards of the abundant life He has placed on Earth.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 104:24 (6 votes)

    O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

  • Psalms 104:26 (6 votes)

    There go the ships: [there is] that leviathan, [whom] thou hast made to play therein.

  • Genesis 1:25 (5 votes)

    And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that [it was] good.

  • Genesis 8:19 (4 votes)

    Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, [and] whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their kinds, went forth out of the ark.

  • Genesis 8:17 (3 votes)

    Bring forth with thee every living thing that [is] with thee, of all flesh, [both] of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.

  • Genesis 6:20 (2 votes)

    Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every [sort] shall come unto thee, to keep [them] alive.

  • Exodus 1:7 (2 votes)

    And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.