And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
What does Genesis 1:15 mean?
In the fourth day's work, the creation of the sun, moon, and stars is accounted for. All these are the works of God.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Genesis 1:14-18 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Genesis 1:15
To shine upon the earth. - The first day spreads the shaded gleam of light over the face of the deep. The fourth day unfolds to the eye the lamps of heaven, hanging in the expanse of the skies, and assigns to them the office of "shining upon the earth." A threefold function is thus attributed to the celestial orbs - to divide day from night, to define time and place, and to shine on the earth. The word of command is here very full, running over two verses, with the exception of the little clause, "and it was so," stating the result.
Key words
- lights
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And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven,.
- firmament
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And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven,.
- heaven
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And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven,.
Context in Genesis 1
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Genesis 1 belongs to the opening movement of the book, especially the section often described as primeval history from creation to Babel. Genesis opens the whole Bible with creation, fall, flood, Babel, and the long patriarchal story that carries the reader from Eden to Egypt. Read this chapter with the wider themes of creation, fall, and covenant in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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