Genesis 1:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

Berean Standard Bible

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 1:3 records the foundational divine command that brought light into existence, dispelling the primordial darkness. This pivotal moment not only initiates the ordered unfolding of creation but also powerfully establishes God's absolute sovereignty and the effortless, irresistible power of His spoken Word. It is the very first step in God's majestic work of transforming chaos into cosmos, illuminating the path for all that would follow.

### CONTEXT
This verse is the dramatic turning point following the initial description of creation. [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "The beginning of creation") declares God as the ultimate Creator, establishing Him as the primary agent of all existence. [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "The earth's initial state and the Spirit hovering") then paints a picture of the earth as "without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep," with the Spirit of God hovering over the waters. Against this backdrop of unformed chaos and pervasive gloom, Genesis 1:3 marks God's inaugural creative act, bringing forth the fundamental necessity of light and setting the stage for the subsequent acts of separation and ordering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The opening words of Genesis 1:3 mark the commencement of God's active shaping of the cosmos. From a state of formless void and pervasive darkness, the divine decree erupts, bringing forth light instantaneously and effortlessly. This is not a gradual process or a struggle against pre-existing forces, but a powerful demonstration of God's inherent authority and the immediate efficacy of His spoken word.

* **The Divine Initiative: "And God said"**: This foundational phrase immediately establishes God as the sole initiator and agent of creation. The Hebrew verb for "said" (*ʾāmar*) signifies a declaration of will, indicating that God's creative act is not laborious but accomplished through mere utterance. It highlights that creation is entirely dependent on God's sovereign decree, independent of external forces or pre-existing materials, foreshadowing the power of God's Word throughout Scripture to accomplish His purposes, as seen in [Psalm 33:6 where the heavens were made by the word of the LORD](/psalms/33-6 "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made").
* **The Creative Command: "Let there be light" (*Yehi 'or*)**: The Hebrew phrase *Yehi 'or* (יְהִי אוֹר) is a divine imperative, a command that demands immediate existence. It is not a request or a suggestion, but an authoritative decree from the Creator. The word *'or* refers to general, pervasive illumination, distinct from the specific luminaries (sun, moon, stars) created on the fourth day ([Genesis 1:14-19 describes the creation of the sun, moon, and stars](/genesis/1-14 "The creation of the sun, moon, and stars")). This distinction is profound, indicating that God Himself is the ultimate source of all light, independent of the physical light-bearers He later creates. This initial light signifies the end of absolute darkness and the beginning of visibility, order, and the possibility of life.
* **The Instantaneous Fulfillment: "and there was light" (*Vayehi 'or*)**: The immediate and perfect fulfillment of God's command is conveyed by the Hebrew *Vayehi 'or* (וַיְהִי אוֹר). The conjunction "and" (*wa*) emphasizes the direct and instantaneous consequence of God's word. There is no delay, no struggle, no partial realization—simply the perfect and complete execution of the divine will. This demonstrates the absolute efficacy and irresistible power of God's creative *fiat*. What God speaks, immediately exists, testifying to His omnipotence and faithfulness to His own declarations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Sovereignty and Omnipotence of God:** This verse profoundly reveals God as the all-powerful, supreme ruler whose word alone is sufficient to bring forth existence from non-existence (or from a formless state). His creative power is absolute and effortless.
* **The Efficacy of God's Word:** Creation by divine speech underscores that God's word is inherently effective and performative. It accomplishes precisely what it declares, a principle that extends to God's promises, commands, and redemptive declarations throughout the entirety of Scripture.
* **God as the Source of All Light:** The creation of general light *before* the sun, moon, and stars establishes God as the primordial and ultimate source of all illumination, both physical and spiritual. This foreshadows the spiritual light that would later come into the world.
* **Divine Order out of Chaos:** The introduction of light is the first act of bringing order to the "formless and void" earth. It signifies God's nature as an ordering God who brings structure, clarity, and beauty out of disarray, setting the stage for further acts of separation and organization in the subsequent days of creation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 1:3 offers profound assurance to the believer: just as God spoke light into the deepest darkness of the primordial earth, He possesses the same power to illuminate the darkness in our lives—whether it be confusion, despair, or the shadow of sin. This verse calls us to trust in God's sovereign word, knowing that His commands are effective, His promises are sure, and His power can bring order, clarity, and hope into even the most chaotic circumstances.

### FAQ
**Why did God create light before the sun, moon, and stars?**

Answer: God Himself is the ultimate source of all light, independent of the physical luminaries He later creates. This initial light was a general illumination, establishing the fundamental distinction between light and darkness, day and night, before specific light-bearers were appointed for signs and seasons.

**What is the significance of God "speaking" creation into existence?**

Answer: God's creation by speaking highlights His absolute sovereignty and effortless power. Unlike human creation, which requires effort and materials, God's will is immediately effective. His word is not just informative but performative; it brings into being what it declares.

**Does "light" here refer to spiritual light?**

Answer: While the immediate context is physical creation, theologically, this act foreshadows God as the source of all light, including spiritual illumination. It sets a pattern for God bringing clarity and truth into spiritual darkness, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in Christ.

**How does this verse relate to the "formless and void" state of the earth?**

Answer: Genesis 1:3 is the first step in God bringing order and beauty out of the initial state of chaos described in Genesis 1:2. The introduction of light creates the foundational distinction necessary for all subsequent acts of separation and formation, marking the beginning of God's systematic ordering of the cosmos.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 1:3 profoundly points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's creative Word and the very Light of the world. Just as God spoke light into existence at creation, [John 1:1-3 reveals that all things were made through the Word](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 on Christ as the Word and Creator"), and this Word is Jesus Christ Himself. Christ is not merely a messenger of light but the true Light, as declared in [John 8:12 where Jesus proclaims, "I am the light of the world"](/john/8-12 "Jesus declares, 'I am the light of the world'"). He dispels the darkness of sin and spiritual ignorance, bringing life and understanding to those who believe, mirroring the initial act of creation where light overcame the primeval darkness.

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.