Genesis 1:3

ยถ And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

And God {H430} said {H559}, Let there be {H1961} light {H216}: and there was light {H216}.

Then God said, โ€œLet there be lightโ€; and there was light.

And God said, โ€œLet there be light,โ€ and there was light.

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 1:3 (KJV)

Genesis 1:3 marks the first divine command and creative act recorded in the biblical account of creation, following the description of the earth's initial state as "without form, and void" (Genesis 1:2). This verse powerfully demonstrates God's immediate and effective sovereignty over chaos.

Context

The book of Genesis opens by establishing God as the ultimate Creator (Genesis 1:1). Before this verse, the earth is depicted as a dark, watery expanse, a primordial void over which the Spirit of God hovered. Genesis 1:3 initiates the process of bringing order, visibility, and life to this raw, unformed matter, beginning with the foundational element of light.

Key Themes

  • The Power of God's Word: The phrase "And God said" highlights the immense, immediate, and effortless power of the divine command. Creation is not a struggle but a simple utterance. This theme echoes throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God's word is effective and accomplishes what He purposes (e.g., Psalm 33:6).
  • Light as the First Creation: Light is the very first thing God creates. This is not yet the sun, moon, and stars (which are created on day four in Genesis 1:14-19), but a general, foundational illumination. This initial light signifies the end of utter darkness and the beginning of visibility and order.
  • Order Out of Chaos: By introducing light, God begins to separate and define, bringing structure to the formless void. This act sets the stage for further acts of separation and organization in the subsequent days of creation (e.g., the separation of light from darkness in Genesis 1:4).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "Let there be light" is "Yehi 'or" (ื™ึฐื”ึดื™ ืื•ึนืจ). "Yehi" is an imperative verb, a direct command, emphasizing God's authority. The immediate fulfillment, "and there was light" ("Vayehi 'or", ื•ึทื™ึฐื”ึดื™ ืื•ึนืจ), showcases the instant potency of His word. The word for light here, 'or, refers to general illumination, distinct from ma'or, which is used for the specific light-bearers (sun, moon) created later. This distinction suggests that God is the source of all light, whether direct or through created objects.

Practical Application

Genesis 1:3 offers profound spiritual lessons. Just as God spoke light into existence from darkness, He has the power to bring light into our personal darkness, confusion, or despair. This verse reminds us of God's sovereignty and His ability to create order and beauty even from seemingly chaotic situations. It also underscores the immense power of God's word, which continues to illuminate, transform, and guide us, much like Christ, the true Light, who came into the world.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash 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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6

    For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

  • John 1:5

    ยถ And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

  • Isaiah 45:7

    I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].

  • Isaiah 60:19

    The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.

  • 1 John 1:5

    ยถ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

  • Ephesians 5:8

    For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

  • John 1:9

    [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
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