Genesis 1:6: Meaning Explained
And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
God decided to make the sky, which would divide the water above from the water below.
What’s Happening Here
On the second day, God creates the sky, or atmosphere. This space separates the ocean from the rain.
Key Words
Why It Matters
The sky is the space between rain and oceans. Without it, life on earth couldn't survive.
Did You Know?
The sky contains oxygen that all animals breathe, and it holds clouds that bring rain.
Tradition Spectrum
Word Study
Cross References
Frequently asked questions
What does Genesis 1:6 mean?
God decided to make the sky, which would divide the water above from the water below.
What is the context of Genesis 1:6?
On the second day, God creates the sky, or atmosphere. This space separates the ocean from the rain.
Why does Genesis 1:6 matter?
The sky is the space between rain and oceans. Without it, life on earth couldn't survive.
What's a surprising detail about Genesis 1:6?
The sky contains oxygen that all animals breathe, and it holds clouds that bring rain.
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]
Commentary on Genesis 1:6
And let it divide between water and water: and it was so. And God made the firmament; and God divided between the water which was under the firmament, and the water above the firmament: and it was so. As the excessive volume of water bore along over the face of the earth, the earth was by reason thereof "invisible" and "formless." When the Lord of all designed to make the invisible visible, He fixed then a third part of the waters in the midst; and another third part He set by itself on high, raising it together with the firmament by His own power; and the remaining third He left beneath, for the use and benefit of men. Now at this point we have an asterisk. The words are found in the Hebrew…
Verses 6–13 The earth was emptiness, but by a word spoken, it became full of God's riches, and his they are still. Though the use of them is allowed to man, they are from God, and to his service and honour they must be used. The earth, at his command, brings forth grass, herbs, and fruits. God must have the glory of all the benefit we receive from the produce of the earth. If we have, through grace, an interest in Him who is the Fountain, we may rejoice in him when the streams of temporal mercies are dried up.