Meaning of Genesis 1:20

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the Genesis creation account, detailing God's command for the waters and the atmosphere to be filled with life. On the fifth day of creation, God systematically brings forth diverse forms of life, beginning with aquatic creatures and then birds. The Hebrew word nephesh (often translated as "living creature" or "soul") is used here, indicating that these beings possess life and animation, contrasting with the inanimate elements of the earth. The "vault of the sky" refers to the firmament or expanse that God created on the second day to separate the waters above from the waters below, and it is within this established structure that birds are commanded to fly, signifying their dominion and presence in the aerial realm. This act of creation is not a chaotic emergence but a deliberate and ordered pronouncement, highlighting God's power and creative intent.

Context and Background

Genesis 1:20 is situated within the broader narrative of the six days of creation as described in the Book of Genesis. The preceding days established the fundamental elements of the cosmos: light, sky, land, seas, and vegetation. The third day saw the separation of land and sea and the emergence of plant life. The fourth day brought forth celestial bodies. The fifth day, as described in this verse, focuses on populating the newly formed aquatic and aerial environments with living organisms. This sequential ordering demonstrates a deliberate progression, moving from the foundational structures of the universe to the living inhabitants that would fill them.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Command and Creation: The verse emphasizes God's spoken word as the operative force of creation. "And God said" is a recurring motif, underscoring the power and efficacy of divine utterance.
• Abundance and Diversity of Life: The instruction to "teem with living creatures" suggests a prolific and varied creation, hinting at the richness and complexity of life that would inhabit the seas. Similarly, the creation of birds implies a diverse aerial ecosystem.
• Order and Purpose: The creation is not random; it is a direct result of God's will and is established within the framework He has already designed (the waters and the sky). This points to an ordered universe with a specific purpose for each element and creature.
• Dominion: While not explicitly stated for these creatures, the act of filling specific realms implies a form of dominion or place within the created order, foreshadowing humanity's later commission.

Spiritual Significance and Application

From a spiritual perspective, this verse speaks to the generosity and abundance of God's creative power. It illustrates that God desires life and fullness, not emptiness. The creation of creatures that swim and fly can be seen as metaphors for different aspects of spiritual life: the deep, often mysterious waters can represent the depths of God's wisdom or the challenges of faith, while the birds soaring in the sky can symbolize freedom, hope, and spiritual ascent. The verse encourages believers to recognize God as the ultimate source of all life and to appreciate the intricate beauty and diversity He has brought into existence. It can also inspire awe and wonder at the Creator's design.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Genesis 1:20 is foundational to the biblical understanding of creation. It establishes God as the sole, sovereign Creator, setting the stage for all subsequent theological developments. The life created on this day is the precursor to all other biological life, including humanity, which is created on the sixth day. The theme of God filling the earth with life continues throughout Scripture, culminating in the redemptive work of Christ, which brings spiritual life and renewal to humanity and, by extension, to all of creation. The abundance of life here contrasts with the later descriptions of sin and its consequences, highlighting the restorative power of God's ongoing work.

Analogies

One analogy for the creative command in this verse is that of a skilled composer writing a symphony. The composer first conceives the structure and instrumentation (the days of creation), and then issues specific instructions to the musicians to fill the silence with melody and harmony, creating a rich and complex musical experience. Another analogy is an architect designing a magnificent city. After laying the foundations and erecting the structures, the architect then populates the city with diverse inhabitants, each assigned their roles and spaces, bringing the city to vibrant life.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 1:22: This verse immediately follows, where God blesses these creatures, saying, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the waters in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth." This reinforces the theme of abundance and God's desire for His creation to flourish.
• Psalm 8:7-8: This psalm reflects on God's creation, mentioning "all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas." It echoes the scope of life created on the fifth day.
• Jeremiah 32:17: The prophet Jeremiah exclaims, "Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you." This verse speaks to the omnipotence of God demonstrated in creation, including the creation of life.
• Colossians 1:16: This New Testament passage affirms Christ's role in creation: "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." This connects the Genesis creation to the person and work of Jesus Christ.