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.

And God {H430} said {H559}, Let the waters {H4325} under the heaven {H8064} be gathered together {H6960} unto {H413} one {H259} place {H4725}, and let the dry {H3004} land appear {H7200}: and it was so.

God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let dry land appear,” and that is how it was.

And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered into one place, so that the dry land may appear.” And it was so.

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

Commentary

Genesis 1:9 describes the dramatic third day of creation, where God's powerful word brings forth the foundational structure of the earth. Following the creation of light and the separation of waters above and below the firmament, this verse details the emergence of dry land, setting the stage for the abundance of life to come.

Context

This verse continues the majestic account of creation, specifically focusing on the third day. On the first day, God created light and separated it from darkness. The second day saw the creation of the firmament (expanse or sky) to divide the waters. Genesis 1:9 builds upon this by gathering the remaining waters into designated places, allowing the land to emerge from beneath the global ocean. This act of separation is crucial, as it prepares a stable environment for the vegetation created later on this same day (Genesis 1:11).

Key Themes

  • Divine Command and Power: The phrase "And God said, Let..." powerfully emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and the immediate effectiveness of His word. The universe comes into being not through struggle or evolution, but by divine decree. This echoes the theme found in Psalm 33:9, "For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast."
  • Order from Chaos: Before this command, the earth was "without form, and void" (Genesis 1:2). God's act of gathering the waters and causing the dry land to appear demonstrates His ability to bring perfect order and structure out of perceived chaos.
  • Preparation for Life: The emergence of dry land is a fundamental step in making the earth habitable. It provides the necessary foundation for plant life, which in turn supports animal life and, ultimately, humanity (Genesis 1:26). This shows God's purposeful and progressive creation.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew phrase for "gathered together" (yiqqavu) implies a deliberate, intentional collection and separation, not merely a natural settling of water. It suggests an active divine intervention.
  • "Dry land" (Hebrew: yabbashah) specifically refers to the solid, non-aquatic part of the earth, distinguishing it from the "seas" (yammim) mentioned in the following verse (Genesis 1:10). This precise terminology highlights the distinct ecosystems God was forming.

Reflection and Application

Genesis 1:9 reminds us of God's incredible power and meticulous design in creation. He is not a distant deity but an active, ordering force who speaks and brings things into being. For us today, this verse can inspire trust in God's ability to bring order to our chaotic circumstances, to make a way where there seems to be none, and to establish firm ground in our lives. Just as He prepared the earth for all life, He continues to work in our world and in our personal lives, providing the necessary foundations for growth and flourishing according to His perfect plan.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Peter 3:5 (16 votes)

    For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

  • Jonah 1:9 (9 votes)

    And he said unto them, I [am] an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry [land].

  • Jeremiah 5:22 (8 votes)

    Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand [for] the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

  • Psalms 95:5 (8 votes)

    The sea [is] his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry [land].

  • Ecclesiastes 1:7 (6 votes)

    All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea [is] not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.

  • Psalms 33:7 (6 votes)

    He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

  • Proverbs 8:28 (6 votes)

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