God creates the universe, earth, and all living things in six days, establishing His sovereignty and creative power.
Genesis 1
Genesis 1
1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
This foundational verse establishes God as the Creator of all things. The Hebrew word for 'created' (bara) is used exclusively with God as its subject, emphasizing divine creation from nothing.
Cross References: John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 11:3
2And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
This verse describes the initial state of creation before God brought order. The Spirit of God's presence shows divine involvement from the beginning.
Cross References: Psalm 33:6, Isaiah 45:18
3And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
God's spoken word brings creation into being. This demonstrates His power and authority over creation.
Cross References: Psalm 33:9, 2 Corinthians 4:6
4And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
God's evaluation of His creation as 'good' appears throughout the creation account, showing His perfect work.
5And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
The establishment of day and night marks the beginning of time as we know it. This verse establishes the pattern of evening and morning that defines a day.
Cross References: Psalm 74:16, Psalm 104:20
6And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
The firmament (expanse or space) separates the waters, creating the atmosphere and the space for life to exist.
Cross References: Psalm 19:1, Jeremiah 10:12
7And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
This verse describes the separation of waters above (atmosphere) from waters below (seas), creating the conditions necessary for life.
Cross References: Psalm 148:4, Proverbs 8:28
8And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
The naming of Heaven shows God's authority and ownership over His creation.
Cross References: Genesis 1:5, Genesis 1:10
9And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
The separation of land and sea creates the environment necessary for terrestrial life.
Cross References: Job 38:8-11, Psalm 95:5
10And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
God names the major features of creation, establishing order and purpose.