Genesis 1:31

KJV

¶ And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} saw {H7200} every thing that {H834} he had made {H6213}, and, behold, it was very {H3966} good {H2896}. And the evening {H6153} and the morning {H1242} were the sixth {H8345} day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God saw everything that he had made, and indeed it was very good. So there was evening, and there was morning, a sixth day.

Berean Standard Bible

And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

American Standard Version

And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 1:31 serves as the triumphant and climactic conclusion to God's six-day creative work, culminating in a profound divine declaration of absolute perfection and completeness. This verse functions as the Creator's ultimate seal of approval, affirming that His entire handiwork—from the vast cosmic structures to the intricate details of life, supremely crowned by humanity—was exquisitely fashioned, supremely excellent, and perfectly suited for its intended purpose. It establishes the foundational truth of creation's original, unblemished state before the subsequent entrance of sin and decay.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse marks the grand finale of the initial creation narrative, spanning from [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth") to this point, immediately preceding God's rest on the [seventh day, as described in Genesis 2:1-3](/genesis/2-1-3 "Genesis 2:1-3 - God rests on the seventh day"). Throughout the preceding days, God repeatedly assessed His work as "good" after each stage of creation (e.g., [Genesis 1:4](/genesis/1-4 "God saw the light was good"), [1:10](/genesis/1-10 "God saw the dry land and seas were good"), [1:12](/genesis/1-12 "God saw the vegetation was good"), [1:18](/genesis/1-18 "God saw the sun and moon were good"), [1:21](/genesis/1-21 "God saw the sea creatures and birds were good"), [1:25](/genesis/1-25 "God saw the land animals were good")). However, with the culmination of all creation, especially the [creation of humanity in His image on the sixth day](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of humanity in God's image"), the divine evaluation escalates to "very good," signifying a state of ultimate perfection, harmonious functionality, and profound delight.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Genesis creation account stands in stark contrast to the prevailing cosmogonies of the ancient Near East (ANE). Unlike Mesopotamian myths (e.g., Enuma Elish) where creation arises from chaotic struggle, divine conflict, or the dismemberment of a defeated deity, Genesis presents an orderly, intentional, and effortless creation by a single, transcendent God. The repeated declaration of "good" and "very good" emphasizes the inherent benevolence and perfection of the Creator and His work, refuting any notion of creation being inherently evil or a result of divine imperfection. This declaration also sets the stage for a world where humanity, created in God's image, is placed in a "very good" environment, highlighting their unique dignity and responsibility within a perfectly ordered cosmos, and implicitly contrasting with ANE views of humanity as mere slaves to capricious gods.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 1:31 powerfully encapsulates several major theological themes of the creation narrative and the broader book. It underscores the **absolute sovereignty and omnipotence of God** as the sole Creator, bringing all things into being by His word. It highlights **divine intentionality and order**, demonstrating that creation was not random but a meticulously planned and executed work. The repeated "good" and culminating "very good" emphasize the **inherent goodness and perfection of creation** as it came from God's hand, a pristine and unblemished world free from defect or moral evil. This sets the crucial theological backdrop for understanding the subsequent **origin of sin and suffering** as an alien intrusion, not an intrinsic part of God's original design, as detailed in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity"). Finally, the concluding phrase, "And the evening and the morning were the sixth day," reinforces the **temporal and sequential nature of creation**, establishing a rhythm that foreshadows the concept of the Sabbath rest, a theme further developed in [Genesis 2:1-3](/genesis/2-1-3 "Genesis 2:1-3 - God rests on the seventh day").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, this verb signifies more than a mere glance; it denotes a thorough, discerning examination, perception, and evaluation. In the context of God, it implies full awareness, comprehensive knowledge, and an active assessment of His completed work, confirming its quality and fitness. It underscores God's sovereign oversight and deliberate craftsmanship, ensuring nothing was overlooked or incomplete in His creation.
* **very (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd'_):** From H3966, this adverb serves as an intensive or superlative, meaning vehemently, wholly, exceedingly, or utterly. When combined with "good," it elevates the quality to the highest conceivable degree. It signifies that creation was not just good, but supremely, utterly, and absolutely good, lacking any defect or potential for improvement in its original state.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this term is rich in biblical Hebrew, encompassing far more than just moral uprightness. It denotes functional fitness, aesthetic beauty, suitability, completeness, and flourishing. When God declares creation "good," it means it was perfectly ordered, harmonious, fully capable of fulfilling its intended purpose, and conducive to life and well-being. The addition of "very" (mᵉʼôd) intensifies this to a state of ultimate perfection, free from any flaw or inherent corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God saw every thing that he had made":** This opening clause underscores the intentionality, meticulousness, and comprehensive nature of the Creator's work. God's act of "seeing" implies a divine inspection and evaluation of His entire handiwork, from the grand cosmic structures to the minute details of life. It signifies His full awareness and comprehensive knowledge of all He had brought into being, highlighting His sovereign oversight and deliberate craftsmanship over every single element of creation, ensuring nothing was overlooked or incomplete.
* **"and, behold, [it was] very good":** This is the climactic declaration, a divine pronouncement of absolute excellence and satisfaction. The Hebrew phrase *tov me'od* (טוֹב מְאָד) is crucial. "Good" (*tov*) denotes functional fitness, aesthetic beauty, suitability, completeness, and flourishing. It implies that creation was perfectly ordered, harmonious, and fully capable of fulfilling the purpose for which it was designed. The intensifier "very" (*me'od*) elevates this goodness to the highest conceivable degree, signifying a state of ultimate perfection, free from any defect, flaw, or inherent corruption—a pristine, unblemished cosmos reflecting the perfect character of its Creator. This emphatic declaration contrasts sharply with the subsequent introduction of sin, affirming that evil was not intrinsic to God's original design.
* **"And the evening and the morning were the sixth day":** This concluding phrase for the final day of creation reiterates the structured, sequential, and temporal nature of God's work. Each day's progress was marked by the passage of time, culminating in the completion of all things on the sixth day. This reinforces the idea of a deliberate, ordered creation process, not a chaotic or instantaneous one, establishing a foundational understanding of time and the rhythm of divine activity. It sets the stage for the [seventh day of rest](/genesis/2-3 "Genesis 2:3 - God blessed the seventh day and made it holy"), signifying the cessation of God's creative work and the establishment of a Sabbath pattern for humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 1:31 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Climax**, as the declaration "very good" serves as the apex of God's repetitive evaluations throughout the chapter, elevating the earlier "good" pronouncements to their ultimate fulfillment. This builds narrative tension and emphasizes the supreme quality of the completed creation, especially with the inclusion of humanity. **Repetition** is also key, as the phrase "And God saw that it was good" (or a variation) appears six times prior, making the final "very good" a powerful, emphatic conclusion. This repetition underscores God's consistent approval and the inherent goodness of each creative act. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Divine Pronouncement** or **Divine Fiat**, where God's spoken word not only describes reality but also establishes it, acting as a performative utterance that declares the state of creation. Finally, there is a subtle **Anthropomorphism** in God "seeing" and evaluating, attributing human-like sensory and cognitive actions to the divine to help human readers grasp God's meticulous involvement and satisfaction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly establishes the **doctrine of creation's original perfection**, affirming that the cosmos, as it came from God's hand, was entirely free from defect, decay, or moral evil. It was a world perfectly suited for life and flourishing, a pristine environment reflecting the glory and benevolent character of its Maker. It underscores the **absolute sovereignty and wisdom of God** as the omniscient and omnipotent Creator. His thorough examination and declaration of "very good" reveal a God who is intimately involved with His handiwork, finding ultimate satisfaction and delight in its flawless execution and harmonious design. Genesis 1:31 provides the essential backdrop for understanding the **origin of sin and suffering**. By declaring creation "very good," the text clarifies that evil is not an inherent part of God's design but an alien intrusion that entered the world through human disobedience, as detailed in the narrative of the Fall. This original state of perfection also serves as the ultimate benchmark for God's **redemptive plan and the hope of new creation**, foreshadowing a future where God will restore and even surpass the original glory of creation.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God is perfect in all His ways")
* [Romans 8:19-22](/romans/8-19-22 "Romans 8:19-22 - Creation groans for redemption")
* [Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - The new heavens and new earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the believer today, Genesis 1:31 calls us to a profound appreciation for the inherent goodness, beauty, and intricate design of God's creation, recognizing it as a magnificent testament to His perfect wisdom, power, and benevolent character. It invites us to pause, observe, and delight in the world around us, seeing it not as a random accident but as the intentional, "very good" handiwork of a loving Creator. This verse also provides a crucial theological framework for understanding that the brokenness, suffering, and decay we experience in the world are not part of God's original, "very good" design, but rather a tragic consequence of sin. This truth fuels our hope in God's ultimate plan to redeem and restore all things, reminding us that He is actively working to bring His creation back to its intended glory, and even beyond. It encourages us to trust in God's perfect purposes, to steward creation responsibly, and to live in anticipation of the full realization of His "very good" kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "very good" shape your view of God's character and His purposes for creation?**
* **In what ways does recognizing the original "very good" state of creation help you understand the brokenness of the world today?**
* **How might a deeper appreciation for God's "very good" creation impact your daily life, your worship, or your sense of responsibility towards the environment?**

### FAQ
**Does "very good" imply creation was immune to evil or decay?**

Answer: The declaration "very good" signifies that creation was perfect in its design, function, and moral purity as it came from God's hand. It was free from inherent defect, decay, or any intrinsic evil. This means that evil was not a part of God's original blueprint for the cosmos. However, this perfection did not preclude the possibility of a moral agent (humanity) choosing to introduce evil through disobedience. The potential for choice, and thus for deviation from God's perfect will, was part of the created order, but evil itself was not inherent in the "very good" creation.

**How does Genesis 1:31 reconcile with the current state of the world?**

Answer: Genesis 1:31 describes creation in its pristine, unfallen state. The current state of the world, marked by suffering, decay, and moral brokenness, is a direct consequence of the Fall of humanity, as recounted in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity"). The "very good" declaration serves as a crucial theological benchmark, clarifying that evil is an intruder, not part of God's original design. It highlights the severity of sin and underscores the necessity of God's redemptive work to restore creation to its intended glory, a process that culminates in the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The new heavens and new earth"). This verse provides the essential contrast, showing us what was lost and what God is actively working to restore.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 1:31's declaration of "very good" finds its ultimate fulfillment and re-affirmation in Jesus Christ, who is not only the agent through whom [all things were created](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All things were made through Him") but also the one in whom [all things hold together](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - In Him all things hold together"). While the original creation was marred by sin and subsequently groans under its weight, Christ's redemptive work on the cross and His glorious resurrection initiate a "new creation" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation")) that surpasses the initial "very good" state. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ redeems not only humanity but also the created order itself, leading to the promise of a [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The new heavens and new earth") where God's perfect will is fully realized and His glory fully displayed. In Christ, the original "very good" is not merely restored but eternally perfected, establishing a cosmos that is forever flawless and fully aligned with the divine will, a testament to His sovereign power and redemptive love.

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.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 4:4

For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Psalms 104:24

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

Psalms 19:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Psalms 19:2

Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

Exodus 20:11

For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Psalms 104:31

¶ The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works.

Lamentations 3:38

Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?