Genesis 1:20-23 Meaning and Explanation

Genesis 1:20-23

“And God said, ‘Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.’ So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.’ And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.”

Meaning of Genesis 1:20-23

Genesis 1:20-23 describes the fifth day of creation, when God created the birds and sea creatures. The verses convey the power and creativity of God as He brings life and diversity to the earth. It also emphasizes that all living beings were created according to their kind, each with unique characteristics and purpose.

Explanation and Commentary of Genesis 1:20-23

In these verses, God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens” (Genesis 1:20). God speaks creation into existence, and the waters and sky are filled with an array of living creatures. The word “swarm” suggests abundance and diversity in the marine world, indicating the vast number of species God created to inhabit the waters.

God further commands, “So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind” (Genesis 1:21). He brings forth a variety of sea creatures and birds, each with its unique characteristics and capabilities. The Creator’s intentionality is evident in His design for each creature to function according to its kind.

God blesses them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth” (Genesis 1:22). This command highlights the reproductive ability and capacity for growth that God established within these creatures. It suggests that God desires the multiplication and flourishing of every living being He has created.

The verses conclude with God evaluating His creation, affirming that it was good. “And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day” (Genesis 1:23). The repetition of this phrase throughout the creation account underscores the orderliness and completion of each day’s work. It also serves to emphasize the goodness of God’s creation, a theme that echoes throughout the entire Bible.

Context of Genesis 1:20-23

Genesis 1:20-23 is part of the creation account found in the first chapter of Genesis, which describes the formation of the world and all that is in it.

God creates light, separates the waters, forms the land, and populates the earth with vegetation, celestial bodies, and living creatures. Each day of creation represents a distinct act of God’s creative power.

The fifth day marks a pivotal moment when God brings forth life in the waters and air. It follows the creation of the land and vegetation on the third day and sets the stage for the creation of land animals and humans on the sixth day.

Understanding this context helps us see the deliberate and ordered progression in God’s creation.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 1:20-23

“Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth” (Genesis 1:20): God’s command for the waters to be filled with marine life and the skies to be occupied by birds highlights His creativity and authority over creation.

“So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind” (Genesis 1:21): God’s act of creation is specific and consistent with each creature being created after its kind. He brings forth a vast array of sea creatures and birds, each with distinct features and characteristics.

“Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth” (Genesis 1:22): God blesses the creatures with the ability to reproduce and populate the earth, highlighting His intention for life to flourish.

“And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day” (Genesis 1:23): The mention of evening and morning signifies the completion of the fifth day of creation. It affirms the cycle of time within which God accomplishes His creative work.

Bible Study on Genesis 1:20-23

These verses provide important insights into the character of God and His creation. They reflect His power, creativity, intentionality, and care for every living creature. Here are some key points to consider when studying these verses:

a) God’s Creativity: The sheer diversity and abundance of marine creatures and birds demonstrate God’s boundless creativity. From the smallest fish to the largest whales, from tiny hummingbirds to majestic eagles, God’s creation is beyond human comprehension. It points to His limitless imagination and artistic ability.

b) God’s Intentionality: God creates each creature according to its kind, carefully designing it with unique characteristics and abilities. This reveals His attentiveness to detail and purpose. Every creature has a role to play in the ecosystem, fulfilling its specific function as part of God’s divine plan.

c) God’s Blessing and Reproduction: God blesses the sea creatures and birds with the command to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth. This underscores the importance of reproduction and growth in God’s design for His creation. It illustrates His desire for life to prosper and His provision for ongoing sustainability.

d) God’s Evaluation: The declaration that God saw His creation as good after each day of creation highlights His satisfaction with His work. It reflects His perfection and sets a standard for us to recognize and appreciate the goodness in the world around us.

Biblical Translations of Genesis 1:20-23

Genesis 1:20-23 King James Version (KJV)

“And God said, ‘Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.’ And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.’ And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.”

Genesis 1:20-23 English Standard Version (ESV)

“And God said, ‘Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.’ So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’ And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.”

Genesis 1:20-23 New Living Translation (NLT)

“Then God said, ‘Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind.’ So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird—each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.’ And evening passed and morning came, marking the fifth day.”

Genesis 1:20-23 New King James Version (NKJV)

“Then God said, ‘Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.’ So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’ So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.”

Genesis 1:20-23 The Message (MSG)

“God spoke: ‘Swarm, Ocean, with fish and all sea life! Birds, fly through the sky over Earth!’ God created the huge whales, all the swarm of life in the waters, and every kind and species of flying birds. God saw that it was good. God blessed them: ‘Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Ocean! Birds, reproduce on Earth!’ It was evening, it was morning—Day Five.”

Genesis 1:20-23 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

“Then God said, ‘Let the water swarm with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.’ So God created the large sea-creatures and every living creature that moves and swarms in the water, according to their kinds. He also created every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them: ‘Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the waters of the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.’ There was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.”

Final Thoughts

Genesis 1:20-23 gives us a glimpse into the power and creativity of God’s creation. It shows His intentional design, care, and purpose for every living creature.

As we study these verses, our hearts are filled with awe and wonder at the intricacies of God’s handiwork. In the midst of the diversity and beauty of the natural world, we are reminded of the majesty and goodness of our Creator.

Let us never cease to praise God for His incredible creation and strive to be good stewards of the earth.