Genesis 1:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} made {H6213} the beast {H2416} of the earth {H776} after his kind {H4327}, and cattle {H929} after their kind {H4327}, and every thing that creepeth {H7431} upon the earth {H127} after his kind {H4327}: and God {H430} saw {H7200} that it was good {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God made each kind of wild beast, each kind of livestock and every kind of animal that crawls along the ground; and God saw that it was good.

Berean Standard Bible

God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that crawls upon the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

American Standard Version

And God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creepeth upon the ground after its kind: and God saw that it was good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 1:25 describes the sixth day of creation, where God meticulously forms all terrestrial animals—wild beasts, domesticated cattle, and creeping things—each reproducing "after his kind." This verse highlights God's sovereign power, precise design, and the inherent order He established within the biological world, culminating in His recurring declaration that His handiwork was "good," signifying its perfection and purpose.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within the grand narrative of God's six-day creation week, specifically on the sixth day, which is dedicated to the creation of terrestrial life. Preceding [Genesis 1:25](/genesis/1-25 "Genesis 1:25: Creation of Land Animals") are the accounts of the heavens and earth being formed ([Genesis 1:1-2](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1-2: The Beginning")), light and darkness ([Genesis 1:3-5](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3-5: Day One")), the expanse of the sky ([Genesis 1:6-8](/genesis/1-6 "Genesis 1:6-8: Day Two")), dry land and vegetation ([Genesis 1:9-13](/genesis/1-9 "Genesis 1:9-13: Day Three")), celestial bodies ([Genesis 1:14-19](/genesis/1-14 "Genesis 1:14-19: Day Four")), and marine and avian life ([Genesis 1:20-23](/genesis/1-20 "Genesis 1:20-23: Day Five")). [Genesis 1:25](/genesis/1-25 "Genesis 1:25: Creation of Land Animals") directly precedes the creation of humanity, the crowning act of God's creative work, described in [Genesis 1:26-27](/genesis/1-26 "Genesis 1:26-27: Creation of Humanity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The creation of land animals on the sixth day, as detailed in [Genesis 1:25](/genesis/1-25 "Genesis 1:25: Creation of Land Animals"), further demonstrates God's intentionality and the structured order of His creation. This verse, like others in the creation account, emphasizes God as the sole, active agent, bringing forth a diverse array of life.

* **And God made**: This opening phrase consistently emphasizes God as the sole, active agent of creation. The Hebrew verb *‘asah* (עָשָׂה), "made" or "did," highlights God's deliberate, purposeful activity. Unlike the verb *bara’* (בָּרָא), which denotes creation *ex nihilo* (out of nothing), *‘asah* can imply shaping, forming, or bringing into being from pre-existing material, or simply the act of bringing something into existence. Here, it underscores divine craftsmanship and the intentionality behind the diverse forms of life.
* **the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind**: This repeated phrase, "after his kind" (Hebrew: *lĕmînô*, לְמִינֹו), is a foundational concept in the Genesis account. **Beast of the earth** (*ḥayyat hā’āreṣ*, חַיַּת הָאָרֶץ) refers to wild animals, those not typically domesticated, often large and predatory. **Cattle** (*bĕhēmâ*, בְּהֵמָה) denotes domesticated animals, often used for labor, food, or companionship. **Every thing that creepeth upon the earth** (*kol-remeś hā’ădāmâ*, כָּל-רֶמֶשׂ הָאֲדָמָה) encompasses smaller, often low-to-the-ground creatures, including reptiles, insects, and other invertebrates. The repetition of "after his kind" for each category profoundly asserts the divinely ordained boundaries of biological reproduction. It speaks to an inherent, stable order in creation, where each species reproduces true to its own genetic blueprint, maintaining biodiversity within distinct categories rather than through a process of gradual, inter-species transformation. This points to God as the author of natural laws, establishing the very framework within which life propagates.
* **and God saw that [it was] good**: This recurring divine affirmation, *wayyar’ ’ĕlōhîm kî-ṭôv* (וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים כִּי-טוֹב), is not merely an aesthetic judgment but a declaration of functional perfection, moral integrity, and purposeful design. The Hebrew word *ṭôv* (טוֹב) conveys more than just "nice"; it means fitting, proper, complete, and fully aligned with God's intention. For the land animals, this declaration signifies that they were perfectly formed, suited for their environments, and fulfilled their intended roles within the created ecosystem. There was no flaw, no corruption, no inherent evil in God's original handiwork. This sets the stage for the ultimate declaration of "very good" in [Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "Genesis 1:31: God declares all creation 'very good'"), after humanity's creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty and Intentionality**: God's active role ("And God made") in creating each distinct "kind" of animal underscores His absolute sovereignty over all creation. It reveals a God who acts with meticulous intention, not by chance or necessity, but by deliberate design.
* **Order and Stability in Creation**: The repeated phrase "after his kind" establishes a fundamental principle of order and stability within the created biological world. This points to a Creator who institutes natural laws and boundaries, ensuring that life reproduces faithfully according to established patterns, reflecting His own orderly character.
* **The Goodness of God's Creation**: The declaration "it was good" affirms the inherent perfection, beauty, and functional integrity of God's original creation. It teaches us that the natural world, in its pristine state, was a flawless reflection of God's wisdom and power, devoid of any defect or moral blemish.
* **Foundation for Biological Classification**: While not a scientific text, the "after his kind" principle provides a theological framework for understanding biological distinctiveness, laying groundwork for the study of natural kinds and the inherent diversity within God's single creative act.
* **Preparation for Humanity**: The creation of all land animals precedes and prepares the earth for the arrival of humanity, who will be given dominion over them ([Genesis 1:26](/genesis/1-26 "Genesis 1:26: Humanity's Dominion")).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Recognizing that God meticulously designed and declared "good" every "kind" of land animal should instill in us a profound reverence for the natural world and its incredible biodiversity. This divine approval compels us to be responsible stewards of creation, appreciating the order and beauty embedded within it, and acknowledging that even the smallest creature reflects the wisdom and power of its Creator. Our care for the animal kingdom is a direct response to God's own valuation of His handiwork.

### FAQ

**What does "after his kind" mean in Genesis 1:25?**

Answer: The phrase "after his kind" (Hebrew: *lĕmînô*) signifies that each category of animal (wild beasts, cattle, creeping things) was created with an inherent capacity to reproduce only within its own distinct biological boundaries. It emphasizes the stability and order God established in creation, ensuring that species remain distinct and reproduce true to their original design, rather than evolving into different "kinds." It speaks to the fixed nature of created biological types.

**Why are there three categories of land animals mentioned: "beast," "cattle," and "creeping things"?**

Answer: These three categories represent a comprehensive classification of terrestrial animal life from an ancient Near Eastern perspective. "Beast of the earth" (*ḥayyat hā’āreṣ*) generally refers to wild, undomesticated animals, often larger and more formidable. "Cattle" (*bĕhēmâ*) denotes domesticated animals, those useful to humans for labor, food, or companionship. "Every thing that creepeth upon the earth" (*kol-remeś hā’ădāmâ*) encompasses smaller, low-lying creatures, including reptiles, insects, and other invertebrates. Together, they signify the totality and diversity of land-dwelling creatures God created.

**Why does God declare His creation "good" repeatedly, but "very good" in Genesis 1:31?**

Answer: The recurring declaration of "good" (*ṭôv*) throughout the creation account signifies that each stage of creation was perfectly formed, functionally complete, and aligned with God's divine purpose. It implies perfection and suitability for its intended role. The final declaration of "very good" in [Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "Genesis 1:31: God declares all creation 'very good'") comes after the creation of humanity, the pinnacle of God's creative work. This "very good" encompasses the entirety of creation, now complete with humanity in their rightful place, signifying the ultimate perfection and harmonious integration of all God had made.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 1:25](/genesis/1-25 "Genesis 1:25: Creation of Land Animals") directly describes God the Father's creative act, Christian theology understands that all creation was made *through* and *for* Jesus Christ. As the eternal Word of God, Christ is the active agent in creation ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3: All things made through Christ"); [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16: All things created by and for Christ")). The order, distinctiveness ("after his kind"), and inherent goodness of the animal kingdom reflect the wisdom and purposeful design of Christ, the Logos, through whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17: Christ upholds all things")). Furthermore, in His redemptive work, Christ is not only the Creator but also the Reconciler of all things, including the animal kingdom, pointing towards a future new heavens and new earth where creation will be fully restored from the effects of sin, ultimately fulfilling the "goodness" originally declared by God ([Romans 8:19-21](/romans/8-19 "Romans 8:19-21: 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.