Genesis 1:20

¶ And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl [that] may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

And God {H430} said {H559}, Let the waters {H4325} bring forth abundantly {H8317} the moving creature {H8318} that hath {H5315} life {H2416}, and fowl {H5775} that may fly {H5774} above {H5921} the earth {H776} in the open {H6440} firmament {H7549} of heaven {H8064}.

God said, “Let the water swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open dome of the sky.”

And God said, “Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.”

And God said, Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

Commentary

Genesis 1:20 (KJV) marks the commencement of the fifth day of creation, a pivotal moment when God's creative power extends to the aquatic and aerial realms, filling them with abundant life.

Context

Following the formation of the dry land and vegetation on day three, and the establishment of the sun, moon, and stars on day four, this verse describes the next stage of populating the newly prepared earth. God, who had already separated the waters and formed the firmament (sky) on day two, now commands these environments to teem with living creatures.

Key Themes

  • Divine Command and Creative Power: The phrase "And God said" reiterates that creation occurs through God's powerful word alone. His voice is the ultimate source of existence and life.
  • Abundance and Diversity of Life: The command "Let the waters bring forth abundantly" highlights the immense variety and sheer quantity of life God intended for the seas and skies. This speaks to the richness and complexity of His design, demonstrating His desire to fill His creation with vibrant activity.
  • Orderly Progression: God's creation unfolds in a logical, step-by-step manner, preparing the environment before introducing the life forms that would inhabit it. This demonstrates divine wisdom and foresight in the Genesis account.
  • Life-Giving Source: While God is the ultimate Creator, He commands the "waters" to "bring forth," implying a divine utilization of existing elements as a medium for life, showcasing His immanence within His creation.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "moving creature that hath life" translates the Hebrew `sherets nephesh chayyah` (שרץ נפש חיה). `Sherets` refers to creatures that swarm or teem, often smaller aquatic animals. `Nephesh chayyah` literally means "living soul" or "living being," indicating that these creatures possess a vital life force, a concept applied to all living things, not exclusively humans.
  • "Fowl" comes from the Hebrew `oph` (עוף), a broad term encompassing all flying creatures, including birds and potentially winged insects.
  • The "open firmament of heaven" refers to the `raqia` (רקיע), the expanse or sky, which was established on the second day of creation, providing the space for birds to fly.

Practical Application and Reflection

Genesis 1:20 invites us to marvel at the intricate beauty and immense diversity of God's creation. It reminds us of His boundless power and His meticulous care in populating the earth. For believers, it reinforces the truth that God is the author of all life, from the smallest marine organism to the most majestic bird. This verse also implicitly calls us to be good stewards of the natural world, appreciating and protecting the biodiversity that God so abundantly brought forth. Reflect on the wonder of God's creative design every time you see a bird soar or observe the life in the ocean, recognizing His divine hand in every living creature.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 104:24 (10 votes)

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

  • Psalms 104:25 (10 votes)

    [So is] this great and wide sea, wherein [are] things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

  • Genesis 2:19 (9 votes)

    And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought [them] unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that [was] the name thereof.

  • 1 Kings 4:33 (5 votes)

    And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that [is] in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.

  • Psalms 148:10 (3 votes)

    Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:

  • Genesis 1:30 (2 votes)

    And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein [there is] life, [I have given] every green herb for meat: and it was so.

  • Genesis 1:7 (1 votes)

    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.