Genesis 1:4

And God saw the light, that [it was] good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

And God {H430} saw {H7200}{H853} the light {H216}, that {H3588} it was good {H2896}: and God {H430} divided {H914}{H996} the light {H216} from {H996} the darkness {H2822}.

God saw that the light was good, and God divided the light from the darkness.

And God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.

And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

Commentary

Genesis 1:4 (KJV): "And God saw the light, that [it was] good: and God divided the light from the darkness."

This verse continues the dramatic opening of the Bible, describing the immediate aftermath of God's command, "Let there be light," on the first day of creation. It highlights two crucial actions by the Creator: His evaluation of His work and His act of bringing order.

Context

Following the creation of light in Genesis 1:3 out of a state of formlessness and void, verse 4 shows God's interaction with this new element. It is part of the initial cosmic ordering process, setting the stage for the subsequent days of creation where God further separates and fills the created realms.

Key Themes

  • God's Evaluation of Goodness: The repeated declaration that God saw His creation and found it "good" establishes a foundational truth about the original state of the universe. It signifies not merely aesthetic appeal but functional perfection and inherent rightness according to God's design.
  • Divine Order and Separation: God's act of "dividing the light from the darkness" is a fundamental step in establishing order. It creates distinct periods and realms, essential for the development of life and the structure of time (day and night). This principle of separation is a key theme throughout the creation account.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Elements: This verse demonstrates God's absolute power and control over the most basic elements of the cosmos, like light and darkness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "good" here is tob, which carries a richer meaning than just "not bad." It implies something that is functional, beneficial, fitting, and morally sound. When God calls the light tob, it means it perfectly serves the purpose for which He created it.

Reflection and Application

Genesis 1:4 reminds us that God is a God of order, bringing structure out of chaos. His original creation was inherently good. The separation of light and darkness can also be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual realm, where God's light dispels darkness. Just as God brought order to the cosmos, He desires to bring order and goodness into our lives, separating us from spiritual darkness.

Cross-References

  • The goodness of God's works is a recurring theme: Psalm 104:24 ("O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.").
  • The contrast and separation between light and darkness is a spiritual theme: 2 Corinthians 6:14 asks, "what communion hath light with darkness?".
  • God is the ultimate source of light: John 1:5 speaks of the light shining in darkness.
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Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 11:7

    ¶ Truly the light [is] sweet, and a pleasant [thing it is] for the eyes to behold the sun:

  • Genesis 1:18

    And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that [it was] good.

  • Ecclesiastes 2:13

    Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

  • Genesis 1:12

    And the earth brought forth grass, [and] herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed [was] in itself, after his kind: and God saw that [it was] good.

  • Genesis 1:31

    ¶ 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.

  • Genesis 1:10

    And God called the dry [land] Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that [it was] good.

  • Genesis 1:25

    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.