Genesis 1:30

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.

And to every beast {H2416} of the earth {H776}, and to every fowl {H5775} of the air {H8064}, and to every thing that creepeth {H7430} upon the earth {H776}, wherein there is life {H2416}{H5315}, I have given every green {H3418} herb {H6212} for meat {H402}: and it was so.

And to every wild animal, bird in the air and creature crawling on the earth, in which there is a living soul, I am giving as food every kind of green plant.” And that is how it was.

And to every beast of the earth and every bird of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth—everything that has the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.

and to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the heavens, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for food: and it was so.

Commentary

Genesis 1:30 concludes God's detailed account of the sixth day of creation, focusing on His universal provision for all living creatures. After providing sustenance for humanity in Genesis 1:29, this verse extends the same benevolent care to the animal kingdom.

Context

This verse is part of the climactic sixth day of creation, following the formation of land animals and humans. It describes the original, pre-Fall diet for all non-human living beings on Earth. God meticulously designed an ecosystem where every creature, from the largest beast to the smallest creeping thing and every bird of the air, was sustained by vegetation. This establishes a foundational understanding of God's design for a harmonious creation, where peace and sustenance were derived solely from the abundance of plant life, preceding the declaration that all was "very good" in Genesis 1:31.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: This verse beautifully illustrates God's comprehensive care and meticulous planning for all life. He doesn't just create; He also sustains, ensuring that every creature has ample resources to thrive.
  • Original Harmony: The instruction that all animals were to eat "every green herb for meat" portrays a world without predation or violence. It paints a picture of Edenic peace, where even the most formidable creatures were herbivorous, a stark contrast to the post-Fall world and a hopeful echo of future messianic peace where the wolf and the lamb lie down together.
  • Universal Sustenance: God's provision is not limited to humans but extends to "every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth," emphasizing the breadth of His creative and sustaining power.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "meat" in this verse translates the Hebrew word אֹכְלָה (oklah), which broadly means "food" or "sustenance." It does not imply animal flesh, but rather whatever serves as nourishment. In this context, it clearly refers to plant-based food, reiterating the vegetarian diet provided to all creatures in the original creation. The phrase "wherein there is life" translates נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה (nephesh chayyah), meaning "living creature" or "living soul," underscoring that this provision is for all animate beings.

Practical Application

Genesis 1:30 reminds us of God's incredible generosity and foresight in creation. It invites us to:

  • Appreciate God's Design: Reflect on the intricate balance and interconnectedness of nature, all sustained by God's hand.
  • Stewardship: Understand our role as caretakers of God's creation, recognizing His love for all living things.
  • Hope for Restoration: This verse, along with the dietary changes after the Flood, highlights the profound impact of sin on creation. Yet, it also offers a glimpse of the original harmony and the future restoration where peace will reign again, as described by the prophets.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 104:14 (11 votes)

    He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

  • Psalms 147:9 (10 votes)

    He giveth to the beast his food, [and] to the young ravens which cry.

  • Psalms 145:15 (10 votes)

    The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.

  • Psalms 145:16 (10 votes)

    Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

  • Job 38:39 (4 votes)

    Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,

  • Job 38:41 (4 votes)

    Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.

  • Job 40:15 (4 votes)

    ¶ Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.