Genesis 1:7

KJV

And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which [were] under the firmament from the waters which [were] above the firmament: and it was so.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} made {H6213} the firmament {H7549}, and divided {H914} the waters {H4325} which {H834} were under {H8478} the firmament {H7549} from the waters {H4325} which {H834} were above {H5921} the firmament {H7549}: and it was so {H3651}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God made the dome and divided the water under the dome from the water above the dome; that is how it was,

Berean Standard Bible

So God made the expanse and separated the waters beneath it from the waters above. And it was so.

American Standard Version

And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 1:7 describes the pivotal act of the second creation day, where God sovereignly establishes the "firmament," or expanse. This profound divine action meticulously separates the primordial waters, creating the atmospheric heavens and initiating the process of preparing Earth for a habitable environment. It powerfully reveals God's meticulous design, His infinite power, and His ability to bring profound order out of undifferentiated matter, laying a crucial foundation for the unfolding of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 1:7 continues the majestic, sequential narrative of creation, building directly upon God's verbal command for the firmament in [Genesis 1:6](/genesis/1-6 "Genesis 1:6 - God's Command for the Firmament"). The entire [creation account in Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") presents God as the sole, transcendent Creator who speaks the universe into existence with intentionality and purpose. Prior to this, the earth was described as "without form, and void" in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Before Creation"), and the establishment of the firmament is a crucial, foundational step in shaping this formless expanse into a structured, life-sustaining environment. This act specifically addresses the "void" by creating a defined space, a dwelling place, within the undifferentiated waters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, creation myths often depicted the cosmos as emerging from a chaotic struggle between deities or primordial forces (e.g., the Babylonian *Enuma Elish*). In stark contrast, Genesis presents a singular, omnipotent God who creates effortlessly through His word, bringing order out of chaos not by conflict, but by decree. The concept of *raqia‘* (firmament) in this context does not necessarily imply a solid, metallic dome, as some later interpretations suggested, but rather an "expanse" or "stretched-out space." This understanding aligns with the observable reality of the atmosphere that separates terrestrial waters from atmospheric moisture, a concept distinct from the often-violent cosmogonies of surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 1:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the creation narrative and the broader biblical text. It underscores God's **Divine Sovereignty** as the ultimate orchestrator of all things, demonstrating His absolute control over the elements. The act of "dividing" highlights God's nature as the **Architect of Order**, meticulously structuring the cosmos and establishing boundaries that are foundational for existence. This intentional separation also speaks to God's **Purposeful Design**, laying the groundwork for the later introduction of diverse life forms. Finally, the immediate fulfillment, "and it was so," powerfully emphasizes the **Efficacy of God's Word**, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that [what God declares, He brings to pass](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** (H430) This plural noun, used here with a singular verb, refers to the supreme God, the Creator. Its use emphasizes God's majesty, power, and comprehensive authority in the act of creation, distinguishing Him from any lesser "gods" and highlighting His unique role as the ultimate divine agent.
* **made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** (H6213) This verb signifies "to do or make" in a broad sense, encompassing accomplishment, fashioning, and bringing into being. While *bara’* (to create out of nothing) is used for the initial creation, *ʻâsâh* here indicates God's purposeful work of shaping, forming, and structuring existing material, demonstrating His active and deliberate involvement in organizing the cosmos.
* **firmament (Hebrew, _râqîyaʻ'_):** (H7549) Derived from a root meaning "to stretch out" or "to beat out," *raqia‘* refers to an expanse, specifically the visible arch of the sky or the atmosphere. It does not imply a solid, rigid dome but rather a vast, open space—the atmospheric heavens—that serves as a boundary and a medium for life, separating the waters below from the waters above.
* **divided (Hebrew, _bâdal'_):** (H914) This primitive root means "to divide," "separate," "distinguish," or "sever." In this context, it highlights God's act of bringing order out of undifferentiated matter. This division is crucial for establishing distinct realms and creating the conditions necessary for the subsequent development of life on Earth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God made the firmament":** This clause emphasizes God's direct, purposeful, and volitional agency in creation. The verb "made" (*ʻâsâh*) signifies a deliberate act of shaping and forming the *raqia‘*, the atmospheric expanse, establishing a defined space within the previously undifferentiated waters. This is not an accidental occurrence but a willed act of the divine Creator.
* **"and divided the waters which [were] under the firmament from the waters which [were] above the firmament":** This is the core action of the second day. God's act of "dividing" (*bâdal*) signifies the separation of the terrestrial waters (oceans, seas, rivers) from the atmospheric waters (clouds, vapor, moisture). This crucial distinction creates the hydrological cycle and establishes the atmospheric boundary essential for supporting life, transforming a chaotic watery mass into a structured environment.
* **"and it was so":** This concise declaration powerfully reiterates the immediate, absolute, and effective nature of God's creative word. What God commands, instantly comes into being without resistance, delay, or unfulfilled purpose. This phrase accentuates God's omnipotence and the perfect execution of His divine will in creation, demonstrating His absolute authority over all things.

#### Literary Devices
The text of Genesis 1:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its theological message. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated use of "firmament" and "waters," underscoring the primary elements being acted upon and the thoroughness of God's work. The phrase "waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament" functions as a form of **Merism**, encompassing all the waters and highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's division. The recurring phrase "and it was so" serves as a **Divine Fiat**, a powerful declaration that emphasizes God's omnipotence and the immediate, unquestionable fulfillment of His creative decrees. This immediate obedience of creation to God's word highlights the theme of **Divine Order**, demonstrating that God is not a God of chaos but of meticulous design and structure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 1:7 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty and His nature as the ultimate architect of order. He does not merely create, but He meticulously structures and divides, bringing cosmos out of chaos. This act of separation is not arbitrary but purposeful, laying the foundational conditions for life to flourish on Earth, revealing God's foresight and intricate design. The immediate fulfillment of His word, "and it was so," underscores the inherent power and reliability of God's spoken commands, establishing a foundational truth about His character that resonates throughout all of Scripture.

* [Job 38:8-11](/job/38-8-11 "Job 38:8-11 - God Sets Boundaries for the Sea")
* [Psalm 104:6-9](/psalms/104-6-9 "Psalm 104:6-9 - God's Control Over the Waters")
* [Proverbs 8:27-29](/proverbs/8-27-29 "Proverbs 8:27-29 - Wisdom Present at Creation's Boundaries")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 1:7 invites us to marvel at the meticulous design and sovereign control of God over all creation. It teaches us that our world, from its vast, life-sustaining skies to its intricate hydrological cycles, is not a product of chance but of intentional divine craftsmanship. This profound truth should instill in us a deep trust in God's ability to bring order out of chaos in our own lives, to establish boundaries for our good, and to fulfill His purposes through His unfailing word. Just as God separated the waters to create space for life, He can separate us from the chaos of sin and confusion, establishing new order and purpose within us. We are called to recognize His wise and powerful governance, finding security and peace in His sovereign design for our lives and the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's act of bringing order out of chaos in creation encourage us when facing chaos or uncertainty in our own lives?**
* **What does the creation of the "firmament" (expanse) and the division of waters teach us about God's meticulous provision for sustaining life?**
* **In what ways does the phrase "and it was so" strengthen your faith in the power and reliability of God's spoken word, both in creation and in His promises to us?**

### FAQ
**What is the "firmament" mentioned in Genesis 1:7?**

Answer: The "firmament" (Hebrew: *raqia‘*) refers to the vast expanse or atmosphere that separates the waters on Earth (like oceans and lakes) from the clouds and atmospheric moisture above. It is the breathable sky, the visible arch of the heavens, not a solid, metallic dome as some ancient cosmologies might have conceived.

**Why did God divide the waters?**

Answer: God divided the waters to create distinct realms and establish the conditions necessary for life. This act of separation brought order to the primordial chaos, allowing for the formation of dry land on the third day and establishing the hydrological cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation) essential for sustaining ecosystems and providing fresh water for all living things.

**Does this verse contradict modern scientific understanding of the atmosphere?**

Answer: No, the biblical account describes the creation from a phenomenological perspective—how it appears to the observer—rather than a scientific one. The *raqia‘* aligns well with the concept of an atmosphere separating ground water from atmospheric water, which is entirely consistent with scientific observation. The text focuses on God's creative action and purpose, not on the precise scientific mechanisms.

**What is the theological significance of God "making" the firmament?**

Answer: The phrase "God made" emphasizes God's active, intentional, and personal involvement in creation. It highlights His sovereignty and power as the deliberate architect of the cosmos, distinguishing the biblical account from ancient myths that often depict creation as accidental or arising from struggle. It underscores that creation is a purposeful act of a personal God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 1:7 directly speaks of God the Father's creative work, it implicitly points to Christ as the divine agent through whom all creation came into being and is sustained. The New Testament reveals that [all things were created through Christ and for Him](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, the Creator and Sustainer"), and that [without Him was not anything made that was made](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through the Word"). The divine order established on the second day, with its purposeful separation and structuring of the cosmos, reflects the wisdom and power of the pre-incarnate Word. This same Christ, who brought physical order out of chaos, later came to bring spiritual order out of the chaos of sin, separating light from darkness in the hearts of humanity, and establishing a new creation in those who believe, making them [new creatures in Him](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"). He is the one who ultimately divides between truth and falsehood, life and death, bringing ultimate fulfillment to God's cosmic design.

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

Psalms 148:4

Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that [be] above the heavens.

Proverbs 8:28

When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

Proverbs 8:29

When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

Matthew 8:27

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Genesis 1:9

¶ And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry [land] appear: and it was so.

Job 38:8

Or [who] shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, [as if] it had issued out of the womb?

Job 38:11

And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?