Genesis 1:17
Genesis 1:17 in Multiple Translations
God set these lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth,
And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
And God set them in the firmament of heaven to give light upon the earth,
And God put them in the arch of heaven, to give light on the earth;
God placed these lights in the sky to shine upon the earth,
And God set them in the firmament of the heauen, to shine vpon the earth,
and God giveth them in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth,
God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light to the earth,
And God set them in the firmament of the heaven, to give light upon the earth.
And he set them in the firmament of heaven to shine upon the earth.
God set all of them in the sky to shine on the earth,
God put all those lights in the sky to shine on the earth.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 1:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 1:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
אֹתָ֛ם
בִּרְקִ֣יעַ
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
לְהָאִ֖יר
עַל־
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
’ĕ·lō·hîm
H430
God
Noun - masculine plural
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
way·yit·tên
H5414
set
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
אֹתָ֛ם
’ō·ṯām
H853
[these lights]
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
בִּרְקִ֣יעַ
bir·qî·a‘
H7549
in the expanse
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
haš·šā·mā·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
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
hā·’ā·reṣ
H776
the earth
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 1:17
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
’ĕ·lō·hîm
H430
"God"
Noun - masculine plural
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2247 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
way·yit·tên
H5414
"set"
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1817 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֹתָ֛ם
’ō·ṯām
H853
"[these lights]"
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6751 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
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.
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
haš·šā·mā·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.
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 1:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Fourth Day
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,
18to preside over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 8:3 | When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place— |
| 2 | Psalms 8:1 | O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens. |
| 3 | Job 38:12 | In your days, have you commanded the morning or assigned the dawn its place, |
| 4 | Acts 13:47 | For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” |
| 5 | Genesis 9:13 | I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. |
Genesis 1:17 Summary
[Genesis 1:17 tells us that God placed the sun, moon, and stars in the sky to shine on the earth, which means He wanted to provide us with light, warmth, and a way to tell time, as also seen in Genesis 1:14-15. This shows us that God is a caring and thoughtful Creator who wants to make our lives better. As we read in Psalm 136:7-9, God's creation is a reflection of His love and care for us. By looking at the sky and seeing the lights God put there, we can remember that He is always with us and wants to help us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'set' the lights in the sky?
This means that God intentionally and purposefully placed the sun, moon, and stars in their positions to serve specific functions, as seen in Genesis 1:17 and supported by Psalm 104:5, which says God laid the foundations of the earth and established its boundaries.
Why did God create the lights to shine upon the earth?
God created the lights to provide warmth, light, and life-giving energy to the earth, as stated in Genesis 1:17, and to also serve as a reminder of His presence and care for His creation, as seen in Psalm 19:1-6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty over His creation, as He deliberately sets the lights in place to accomplish His purposes, as stated in Genesis 1:17, and exercises control over all aspects of the universe, as seen in Isaiah 45:7.
What can we learn about God's character from this verse?
From Genesis 1:17, we can learn that God is a purposeful and intentional Creator, who carefully designs and places each aspect of creation to serve a specific function, as also seen in Jeremiah 10:12, which describes God's wisdom and power in creating the earth.
Reflection Questions
- As I reflect on God's intentional placement of the lights in the sky, how can I apply this principle to my own life and recognize God's purposeful work in my circumstances?
- In what ways can I, like the lights in the sky, shine as a reflection of God's presence and care in the world around me?
- How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in Genesis 1:17, bring me comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper appreciation for God's creation and recognize His handiwork in the world around me, as described in Genesis 1:17 and Psalm 8:3-4?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 1:17
And God set them in the firmament of the heaven,.... He not only ordered that there they should be, and made them that there they might be, but he placed them there with his own hands; and they are
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 1:17
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 1:17
Genesis 1:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: [he made] the stars also. Genesis 1:17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,Ver. 16,17. He made also the stars.] To be receptacles of that first light, whence they are called "stars of light," and to work upon inferior bodies, which they do by their motion, light, and influence, by causing foul or fair weather, as God appoints it. Stars are the storehouses of God’ s good treasure, which he openeth to our profit. By their influence they make a scatter of riches upon the earth, which good men gather, and muckworms scramble for. Every star is like a purse of gold, out of which God throws down riches and plenteousness into the earth. "The heavens" also are "garnished" by them; they are, as it were, the spangled curtain of the bridegroom’ s chamber, the glorious and glittering rough-cast of his heavenly palace, the utmost court of it, at least, from the which they twinkle to us, and teach us to remember our and their Creator, who in them makes himself visible, nay "palpable" His wisdom, power, justice, and goodness are lined out unto us in the brows of the firmament; the countenance whereof we are bound to mark, and to discern the face of the heavens, which therefore are somewhere compared to a scroll that is written. "The heavens," those catholic preachers, "declare the glory of God," &c.; "their line," saith David; "their voice," saith Paul, citing the same text is gone out throughout all the earth; they are real postils of his divinity. These, nay, far meaner creatures, teach us, as Balaam’ s ass did that mad prophet; to this school are we now put back, as idle truants to their A B C. Only let us not, as children, look most on the babies on the backside of our books; gaze not, as they do, on the gilded leaves and covers, never looking to our lessons; but as travellers in a foreign country, observe and make use of everything, not content with the natural use of the creature, as brute beasts, but mark how every creature reads us a divinity lecture, from the highest angel to the lowest worm.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 1:17
17. And God set them] Having made the heavenly bodies (as in Genesis 1:16) God is now said to “set,” that is, to place (LXX ἔ ?èåôï, Lat. posuit), them in “the firmament of heaven.” They are located in the firm structure which stood as a dome, or convex roof, over the surface of the earth; see note Genesis 1:6; cf. Pliny ii. 106, sidera coelo adfixa. No mention is here added of the movements of the heavenly bodies; nor is any explanation given, in this condensed narrative, of the way in which the luminaries placed in the firmament were nevertheless apparently possessed with mysterious powers of movement; cf. Job 38:32. They occupied certain positions, and moved upon certain paths, appointed them by God; and, like the sea, they were not able to pass the bounds set them.
Sermons on Genesis 1:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Creation Versus Evolution by E.W. Bullinger | E.W. Bullinger emphasizes in The Companion Bible the direct acts and volitions of God as the Creator in Genesis 1:1-2:3, highlighting the perfection, goodness, and wondrous nature |
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What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 4 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of redemption and its significance in the Christian life. He refers to the four words for redeem found in the Schofield Bible. The |
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Renewing of Life by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his experience as a pastor during the Great Depression in England. He recalls a time when his church experienced a revival and how even a s |
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The Casual Receiving of Christ by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for God. He highlights the gratitude we should have for God's presence in our lives and the promises |
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Sonship With the Father - Part 2 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the church taking responsibility for the well-being of their fellow human beings, particularly those who are marginalized a |
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Horton Haven Labor Day Retreat-08 Those for Whom Christ Died by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary. He emphasizes the immense value of our redemption and the staggering reality that Jesus died |
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Wonders of God-02 Psalm 8-the Starry Heavens by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the beauty and power of God's creation, specifically focusing on the sun and the stars. He emphasizes that God's understanding is infinite a |