Genesis 1:8

And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

And God {H430} called {H7121} the firmament {H7549} Heaven {H8064}. And the evening {H6153} and the morning {H1242} were the second {H8145} day {H3117}.

and God called the dome Sky. So there was evening, and there was morning, a second day.

God called the expanse “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.

And God called the firmament Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.

Commentary

Genesis 1:8 continues the majestic account of creation, detailing God's specific work on the second day of the creation week.

Context

Following the initial separation of light from darkness on the first day, this verse describes the culmination of the second day's activity. God has just created the "firmament" (as detailed in Genesis 1:6-7), which serves to divide the waters above from the waters below, effectively forming the atmospheric expanse surrounding the earth.

Key Themes

  • Divine Naming and Authority: God's act of naming the firmament "Heaven" (KJV) underscores His absolute sovereignty and authority over His creation. Naming in biblical contexts often signifies ownership, purpose, and control.
  • The Structure of Creation: The establishment of the firmament creates a distinct space – the atmosphere or sky – which is essential for life and the subsequent stages of creation. It highlights God's meticulous design and the ordered progression of His creative work.
  • The Nature of a 'Day': The recurring phrase "the evening and the morning were the second day" provides a clear definition of the duration of each creative period. This consistent pattern strongly suggests a literal 24-hour period, consistent with the biblical understanding of a day in the creation narrative.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "firmament," raqia (רָקִיעַ), suggests an "expanse" or something "stretched out" or "hammered out." It refers to the atmospheric sky, the space above the earth where clouds form and birds fly, rather than a solid dome.
  • The term "Heaven," shamayim (שָׁמָיִם), here refers to the visible sky or atmosphere. While "heaven" can also denote God's dwelling place in other biblical contexts, in Genesis 1:8, it specifically refers to the earthly atmosphere, which is part of the physical creation.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of God's incredible power and precise design. Just as He brought order out of primordial chaos, He is capable of bringing order and purpose to our lives. The very air we breathe and the sky above are products of divine intention, inviting us to marvel at His creative genius. The consistent pattern of "evening and morning" also speaks to the reliability and faithfulness of God's established rhythms in creation, a testament to His unchanging character. The heavens themselves declare the glory of God.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 1:5 (-1 votes)

    And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

  • Genesis 1:19 (-2 votes)

    And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

  • Genesis 1:13 (-3 votes)

    And the evening and the morning were the third day.

  • Genesis 1:31 (-3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (-3 votes)

    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 1:23 (-3 votes)

    And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

  • Genesis 5:2 (-4 votes)

    Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.