Genesis 1:15
Genesis 1:15 in Multiple Translations
And let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth.” And it was so.
And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
and let them be for lights in the firmament of heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
And let them be for lights in the arch of heaven to give light on the earth: and it was so.
They shall be lights in the sky to shine on the earth.” And that's what happened.
And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heauen to giue light vpon the earth: and it was so.
and they have been for luminaries in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth:' and it is so.
and let them be for lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth;” and it was so.
And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven, to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
To shine in the firmament of heaven, and to give light upon the earth. And it was so done.
I want them also to be like lights in the sky that will shine on the earth.” And that is what happened.
I will put these lights in the sky to shine on the earth.” So God did that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 1:15
BAB
Word Study
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Genesis 1:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְהָי֤וּ
לִמְאוֹרֹת֙
בִּרְקִ֣יעַ
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
לְהָאִ֖יר
עַל־
הָאָ֑רֶץ
וַֽיְהִי־
כֵֽן׃
וְהָי֤וּ
wə·hā·yū
H1961
And let them serve
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
לִמְאוֹרֹת֙
lim·’ō·w·rōṯ
H3974
as lights
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
בִּרְקִ֣יעַ
bir·qî·a‘
H7549
in the expanse
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
haš·šā·ma·yim
H8064
of the sky
Article | Noun - masculine plural
לְהָאִ֖יר
lə·hā·’îr
H215
to shine
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
עַל־
‘al-
H5921
upon
Preposition
הָאָ֑רֶץ
hā·’ā·reṣ
H776
the earth
Article | Noun - feminine singular
וַֽיְהִי־
way·hî-
H1961
And it was
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
כֵֽן׃
ḵên
H3651
so
Adverb
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 1:15
וְהָי֤וּ
wə·hā·yū
H1961
"And let them serve"
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3132 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִמְאוֹרֹת֙
lim·’ō·w·rōṯ
H3974
"as lights"
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
This word means light, like the sun or a lamp, and also happiness or cheerfulness. It's used in the Bible to describe God's presence and joy. The KJV translates it as 'light' or 'bright'.
Definition: light, luminary
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: bright, light. See also: Genesis 1:14; Exodus 39:37; Psalms 74:16.
בִּרְקִ֣יעַ
bir·qî·a‘
H7549
"in the expanse"
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
The Hebrew word for the sky or heavens, describing the firmament as a solid surface. It appears in Genesis 1:6-8, where God separates the waters. The KJV translates it as 'firmament'.
Definition: 1) extended surface (solid), expanse, firmament 1a) expanse (flat as base, support) 1b) firmament (of vault of heaven supporting waters above) 1b1) considered by Hebrews as solid and supporting 'waters' above
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: firmament. See also: Genesis 1:6; Psalms 19:1; Psalms 150:1.
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
haš·šā·ma·yim
H8064
"of the sky"
Article | Noun - masculine plural
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
לְהָאִ֖יר
lə·hā·’îr
H215
"to shine"
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Or means to give light, whether physically or spiritually, as in Psalm 119:105 where God's word is a light to our path.
Definition: 1) to be or become light, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become light (day) 1a2) to shine (of the sun) 1a3) to become bright 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be illuminated 1b2) to become lighted up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give light, shine (of sun, moon, and stars) 1c2) to illumine, light up, cause to shine, shine 1c3) to kindle, light (candle, wood) 1c4) lighten (of the eyes, his law, etc) 1c5) to make shine (of the face)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break of day, glorious, kindle, (be, en-, give, show) light (-en, -ened), set on fire, shine. See also: Genesis 1:15; Psalms 76:4; Psalms 13:3.
עַל־
‘al-
H5921
"upon"
Preposition
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4492 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָאָ֑רֶץ
hā·’ā·reṣ
H776
"the earth"
Article | Noun - feminine singular
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וַֽיְהִי־
way·hî-
H1961
"And it was"
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3132 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כֵֽן׃
ḵên
H3651
"so"
Adverb
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 731 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
Study Notes — Genesis 1:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Fourth Day
13And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.
14And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to distinguish between the day and the night, and let them be signs to mark the seasons and days and years.
15And let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth.” And it was so.
16God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. And He made the stars as well. 17God set these lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth,Genesis 1:15 Summary
Genesis 1:15 tells us that God created lights in the sky to shine on the earth, which is a beautiful picture of His love and care for us. Just like the sun and moon give us light and warmth, God's presence in our lives can bring us joy and comfort (as seen in Psalm 23:4). The lights in the sky also remind us of God's power and creativity in creating the world, as described in Genesis 1:1-25. By trusting in God's sovereignty over creation, we can have confidence in His goodness and provision for us, just as the lights in the sky mark the passage of time and seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the lights in the sky according to Genesis 1:15?
The lights in the sky are to shine upon the earth, as stated in Genesis 1:15, and also to distinguish between day and night, and to mark the seasons and years, as mentioned in Genesis 1:14.
Are the lights in the sky only for physical illumination?
No, according to Genesis 1:14, the lights are also to be signs to mark the seasons and years, indicating a deeper purpose beyond just physical illumination, and pointing to God's sovereignty over time and creation.
How does Genesis 1:15 relate to the creation of the sun and moon in Genesis 1:16?
Genesis 1:15 is a declaration of God's intention for the lights, while Genesis 1:16 describes the actual creation of the sun, moon, and stars, demonstrating God's power and creativity in bringing His plans to fruition.
What does 'and it was so' mean in Genesis 1:15?
The phrase 'and it was so' is a statement of God's faithfulness and power, indicating that His words have the power to bring about reality, as seen throughout the creation account in Genesis 1, including in Genesis 1:3 and Genesis 1:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that the lights in the sky, such as the sun and moon, reflect God's care and provision for us?
- How can we, like the lights in the sky, shine for God and reflect His glory to those around us?
- What are some seasons or times in our lives when God's light and presence have been particularly meaningful or comforting to us?
- In what ways can we trust God's sovereignty over time and creation, just as the lights in the sky mark the passage of time and seasons?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 1:15
And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven,.... To continue there as luminous bodies; as enlighteners, as the word signifies, causing light, or as being the instruments of conveying
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 1:15
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: Let there be lights in the
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 1:15
Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: Genesis 1:15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. Ver. 14,15. Let there be light.] The sun, moon, and stars, are, as it were, certain vessels, whereinto the Lord did gather the light, which before was scattered in the heavens. The sun, that prince of planets, but servant to the saints of the Most High, as his name imports, cometh "out of his chamber as a bridegroom, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race"; this he doth with such a wonderful swiftness, as exceedeth the eagle’ s flight, more than it goeth beyond the slow motion of a snail: and with such incomparable "sweetness," that Eudoxus, the philosopher, professed that he would be willing to be burnt up by the sun presently, so he might be admitted to come so near it as to learn the nature of it. Chrysostom cannot but wonder, that whereas all fire tends upwards, the sun should shoot down his rays to the earth, and send his light abroad all beneath him. This is the Lord’ s own work, and it ought to be marvellous in our eyes. It illuminates and beautifies all the orbs and heavenly bodies about it; yea, it strikes through the firmament, in the transparent parts, and seeks to bestow his beauty and brightness even beyond the heavens. It illightens even the opposite part of heaven (gliding by the sides of the earth) with all those glorious stars we see shining in the night. Yea, it insinuates in every chink and cranny of the earth, and concurs to the making of those precious metals which lie in her bowels, besides those "precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and the precious things thrust forth by the moon." For as the sun by warmth, so the moon by moisture, maketh the earth fruitful: whence also she hath her name in the Hebrew, éøç, Jareach, from refreshing the earth with her cool influences. She is here called a "light," and a "great light": therefore she hath some light of her own, as the stars also have, besides what she borroweth of the sun; though not strong enough to rule the night without light from the sun.
Galileo used perspectives to descry mountains in the moon; and some will needs place hell in the hollow of it. It is easy to discern that her body is not all alike lightsome, some parts being thicker and some thinner than others, and that the light of the sun falling on her is not alike diffused through her.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 1:15
(15) To give light.—This was to be henceforward the permanent arrangement for the bestowal of that which is an essential condition for all life, vegetable and animal. As day and night began on the first day, it is evident that very soon there was a concentrating mass of light and heat outside the earth, and as the expanse grew clear its effects must have become more powerful. There was daylight, then, long before the fourth day; but it was only then that the sun and moon became fully formed and constituted as they are at present, and shone regularly and clearly in the bright sky.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 1:15
14–19. Fourth Day. The Creation of the Heavenly Bodies Observe that the creation of the “lights” in the heaven on the fourth day corresponds to the creation of “light” on the first day. If we divide the six days into two groups of three, there are in each group four creative acts, and at the head of each group is the creation of light in two different forms, (1) elemental, (2) sidereal.