Meaning of Genesis 1:31

This declaration, "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good," marks the apex of the Genesis creation account, signaling the completion of God's work on the sixth day. It is not merely a perfunctory observation but a profound affirmation of the inherent perfection and divine approval of the created order. The Hebrew phrase tov me'od (very good) emphasizes the excellence and completeness of God's creation, indicating that nothing was lacking, flawed, or out of place. This assessment stands in stark contrast to the potential for chaos or imperfection that could have arisen from the initial formless void, highlighting the deliberate and purposeful nature of God's creative act. The inclusion of "And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day" reinforces the structured and sequential nature of God's creation, emphasizing the completion of this particular phase of His work within a defined temporal framework.

Context and Background

Genesis 1:31 concludes the six-day narrative of creation as presented in the book of Genesis. Prior to this statement, each day's creation is described as "good" (e.g., Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25). The elevation to "very good" on the sixth day specifically encompasses the creation of humankind, the pinnacle of God's earthly work, and the entirety of the cosmos as it was brought into being. This verse serves as the final divine evaluation before God rests on the seventh day (Genesis 2:1-3), underscoring the perfection of what was made.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Approval and Perfection: The primary message is God's complete satisfaction with His creation. It was not just adequate but excellent, reflecting His perfect nature and intentions.
• Order from Chaos: The narrative demonstrates God's ability to bring forth order, beauty, and functionality from a state of formlessness and void.
• Purposeful Creation: The declaration implies that the created world was made with specific purposes and design, all of which were fulfilled.
• The Value of Creation: This verse establishes the intrinsic goodness and value of all that God created, including humanity.

Spiritual Significance and Application

From a theological perspective, Genesis 1:31 provides a foundational understanding of the original state of the world before the Fall. It informs our understanding of God's original intent for humanity and the earth. For believers, this verse offers assurance that creation originates from a benevolent God who declares His work to be good. It can inspire awe and gratitude for the intricate design and beauty of the natural world, prompting a desire to steward it responsibly. It also sets a standard against which the effects of sin, which introduced imperfection and brokenness, can be understood.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is crucial for understanding the ensuing narrative of redemption. The "very good" state of creation is the baseline against which the tragedy of sin and its consequences are measured. The biblical story then unfolds as God's plan to restore and redeem His creation from the decay brought about by sin, ultimately culminating in a renewed heaven and earth where goodness will be fully restored (Revelation 21:1-4). This initial perfection highlights the gravity of humanity's rebellion and the magnitude of God's redemptive love.

Analogies

• A Masterpiece Artist: Imagine a master artist completing a magnificent painting. Before presenting it, they step back and declare it "perfect," meaning every brushstroke, color choice, and detail is exactly as intended and contributes to the overall beauty and message of the work.
• A Perfect Symphony: Consider a composer finishing a symphony. Upon its completion, the conductor and musicians, and indeed the composer, agree that every note, every instrument's part, and every crescendo and diminuendo is precisely as it should be, creating a harmonious and complete musical experience.
• A Flawless Machine: Think of an engineer designing a complex machine. Once all the parts are assembled and tested, the engineer confirms that it functions perfectly, meeting all design specifications without any defects.

Relation to Other Verses

• Psalm 8:1: "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens." This psalm echoes the awe inspired by God's creation, reflecting the "very good" nature of His work.
• Romans 1:20: "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly perceived, being understood by what he has made. So people are without excuse." This verse suggests that the goodness and order of creation, as established in Genesis, bear witness to God's attributes.
• Colossians 1:16-17: "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." This passage reinforces the comprehensive nature of Christ's creative work, aligning with the totality of God's good creation described in Genesis.
• Revelation 21:1, 4-5: "Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea... ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” This prophetic vision of a renewed creation speaks to the ultimate restoration of God's original perfect design, a concept underscored by the initial "very good" declaration in Genesis.