And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
What does Genesis 1:16 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 1:16
This result is fully particularized in the next three verses. This word, "made," corresponds to the word "be" in the command, and indicates the disposition and adjustment to a special purpose of things previously existing. Genesis 1:16 The two great lights. - The well-known ones, great in relation to the stars, as seen from the earth. The great light, - in comparison with the little light. The stars, from man's point of view, are insignificant, except in regard to number Genesis 15:5 .
Key words
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And God made two great lights,.
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And God made two great lights,.
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And God made two great lights,.
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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