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.

And the earth {H776} brought forth {H3318} grass {H1877}, and herb {H6212} yielding {H2232} seed {H2233} after his kind {H4327}, and the tree {H6086} yielding {H6213} fruit {H6529}, whose seed {H2233} was in itself, after his kind {H4327}: and God {H430} saw {H7200} that it was good {H2896}.

The earth brought forth grass, plants each yielding its own kind of seed, and trees each producing its own kind of seed-bearing fruit; and God saw that it was good.

The earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good.

Commentary

Genesis 1:12 KJV continues the narrative of the third day of creation, detailing God's work in bringing forth plant life upon the newly formed dry land. This verse highlights the remarkable order and self-sustaining design inherent in God's initial creation.

Context

This verse follows God's command for the earth to separate from the waters and for dry land to appear (Genesis 1:9-10). With the foundation set, God then instructs the earth to produce vegetation. This stage of creation provides the necessary food source and environment for the animal life and humanity that would follow, showcasing God's foresight and provision. It precedes the creation of the sun, moon, and stars on the fourth day (Genesis 1:14-19), demonstrating that plant life was not dependent on these luminaries for its initial existence, but rather on God's direct command.

Key Themes

  • Divine Command and Earth's Response: The verse illustrates God's powerful spoken word, which causes the earth to spontaneously bring forth vegetation. This emphasizes the immediate and complete obedience of creation to its Creator's will.
  • Order and Classification ("after his kind"): The repeated phrase "after his kind" (Hebrew: lemino) is central to this verse. It signifies that God created distinct categories of plant life—grass, herbs, and trees—each designed to reproduce true to its own species. This concept underscores the biological stability and order established from the beginning, ensuring biodiversity and preventing chaotic mixtures of life forms. This principle is reiterated throughout the creation account, such as with sea creatures and land animals.
  • Self-Sustaining Creation: The description of "herb yielding seed" and "tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself" points to God's ingenious design for self-propagation. The initial creation was not static but dynamic, equipped with the ability to reproduce and sustain itself through subsequent generations. This highlights God's wisdom in establishing natural processes.
  • God's Approval ("it was good"): The recurring affirmation, "God saw that it was good," signifies divine satisfaction with the perfection, beauty, and functionality of this aspect of His creation. It indicates that the plant kingdom, in its diversity and reproductive capacity, perfectly fulfilled God's purpose. This phrase echoes earlier affirmations of goodness in creation, such as after the creation of light and the separation of land and seas, culminating in the declaration that all creation was "very good" at the end of the sixth day.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase לְמִינוֹ (lemino), translated "after his kind," is foundational to understanding the Genesis creation model. It implies distinct, reproductively isolated groups, indicating that while there can be variation within a "kind," there are boundaries between different kinds. This is not necessarily a scientific classification in the modern sense but a theological statement about God's ordered design, ensuring that apples produce apples and oaks produce oaks.

Practical Application

Genesis 1:12 invites us to marvel at the intricate design and abundant provision of God in the natural world. It encourages an appreciation for biodiversity and the self-sustaining cycles of nature. For believers, it reinforces trust in a God who not only creates but also sustains and provides for His creation. It also reminds us that the fundamental laws of nature, such as reproduction, were established by God from the very beginning, reflecting His wisdom and foresight.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 4:28 (8 votes)

    For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

  • Isaiah 55:10 (7 votes)

    For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

  • Isaiah 55:11 (7 votes)

    So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it.

  • Matthew 13:24 (6 votes)

    ¶ Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

  • Matthew 13:26 (6 votes)

    But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

  • Galatians 6:7 (6 votes)

    Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

  • Luke 6:44 (6 votes)

    For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.