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Genesis 1:15 And let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth." And it was so.

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 1:15 And let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth." And it was so.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/1-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/01_Gen_01_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 1:15 - The Fourth Day" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth. And it was so." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/1-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/1-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/1-14.htm" title="Genesis 1:14">&#9668;</a> Genesis 1:15 <a href="/genesis/1-16.htm" title="Genesis 1:16">&#9658;</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible">&nbsp;Audio&nbsp;</a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References">&nbsp;Cross&nbsp;</a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible">&nbsp;Study&nbsp;</a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary">&nbsp;Comm&nbsp;</a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon">&nbsp;Heb&nbsp;</a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">&nbsp; (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.&#8221 And it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.&#8221; And that is what happened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.&#8221; And it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth.&#8221; And it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth&#8221;; and it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and they shall serve as lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth&#8221;; and it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth"; and it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth&#8221;; and it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth&#8221;; and it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and let them be <i>useful</i> as lights in the expanse of the heavens to provide light on the earth&#8221;; and it was so, [just as He commanded].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They will be lights in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth.&#8221; And it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They will be lights in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth.&#8221 And it was so. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and let them be for lights in the firmament of heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I command them to shine on the earth." And that's what happened. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/1.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />They will be lights in the sky to shine on the earth." And so it was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />they will shine in the sky to give light to the earth"--and it was done. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />to serve as lights in the sky, and to shine on the earth!" And that is what happened:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth.? And it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />and let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." It was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven, to give light upon the earth: and it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and let them be for lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth;&#8221; and it was so. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they have been for luminaries in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth&#8221;: and it is so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they have been for luminaries in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth:' and it is so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they shall be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light upon the earth: and it shall be so.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />To shine in the firmament of heaven, and to give light upon the earth. And it was so done. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Let them shine in the firmament of heaven and illuminate the earth.&#8221; And so it became.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and serve as lights in the dome of the sky, to illuminate the earth. And so it happened:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.&#8221; And it was so.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth; and it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they shall be giving light in the firmament of Heaven to give light on the Earth&#8221;, and it was in this way.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth.' And it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And let them be for light in the firmament of the heaven, so as to shine upon the earth, and it was so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/1-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=120" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/1.htm">The Fourth Day</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">14</span>And God said, &#8220;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. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: w&#601;&#183;h&#257;&#183;y&#363; (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">And let them serve</a> <a href="/hebrew/3974.htm" title="3974: lim&#183;&#8217;&#333;&#183;w&#183;r&#333;&#7791; (Prep-l:: N-mp) -- A luminary. ">as lights</a> <a href="/hebrew/7549.htm" title="7549: bir&#183;q&#238;&#183;a&#8216; (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- An extended surface, expanse. From raqa'; properly, an expanse, i.e. The firmament or visible arch of the sky.">in the expanse</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: ha&#353;&#183;&#353;&#257;&#183;ma&#183;yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">of the sky</a> <a href="/hebrew/215.htm" title="215: l&#601;&#183;h&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#238;r (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To be or become light. A primitive root; to be luminous.">to shine</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: &#8216;al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">upon</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: h&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#257;&#183;re&#7779; (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the earth.&#8221;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way&#183;h&#238;- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">And it was</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: &#7733;&#234;n (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">so.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>God 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.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/136-7.htm">Psalm 136:7-9</a></span><br />He made the great lights&#8212;His loving devotion endures forever. / the sun to rule the day, His loving devotion endures forever. / the moon and stars to govern the night. His loving devotion endures forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-35.htm">Jeremiah 31:35</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day, who sets in order the moon and stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar&#8212;the LORD of Hosts is His name:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/38-12.htm">Job 38:12-13</a></span><br />In your days, have you commanded the morning or assigned the dawn its place, / that it might spread to the ends of the earth and shake the wicked out of it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-26.htm">Isaiah 40:26</a></span><br />Lift up your eyes on high: Who created all these? He leads forth the starry host by number; He calls each one by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-1.htm">Psalm 19:1-6</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. / Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. / Without speech or language, without a sound to be heard, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-19.htm">Deuteronomy 4:19</a></span><br />When you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars&#8212;all the host of heaven&#8212;do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/9-7.htm">Job 9:7-9</a></span><br />He commands the sun not to shine; He seals off the stars. / He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. / He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, of the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/8-3.htm">Psalm 8:3</a></span><br />When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place&#8212;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-7.htm">Isaiah 45:7</a></span><br />I form the light and create the darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/104-19.htm">Psalm 104:19</a></span><br />He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/21-23.htm">Revelation 21:23</a></span><br />And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-3.htm">John 1:3</a></span><br />Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16</a></span><br />For in Him all things were created, things 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm">Hebrews 1:2</a></span><br />But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-41.htm">1 Corinthians 15:41</a></span><br />The sun has one degree of splendor, the moon another, and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light on the earth: and it was so.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/1-14.htm">Arch</a> <a href="/genesis/1-12.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/genesis/1-14.htm">Expanse</a> <a href="/genesis/1-14.htm">Firmament</a> <a href="/genesis/1-14.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/genesis/1-14.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/genesis/1-14.htm">Lights</a> <a href="/genesis/1-14.htm">Sky</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/1-17.htm">Arch</a> <a href="/genesis/1-17.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/genesis/1-17.htm">Expanse</a> <a href="/genesis/1-17.htm">Firmament</a> <a href="/genesis/1-17.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/genesis/1-17.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/genesis/1-16.htm">Lights</a> <a href="/genesis/1-17.htm">Sky</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/1-1.htm">God creates heaven and earth;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/1-3.htm">the light;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/1-6.htm">the firmament;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/1-9.htm">separates the dry land;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/1-14.htm">forms the sun, moon, and stars;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/1-20.htm">fishes and fowls;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/1-24.htm">cattle, wild beasts, and creeping things;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/1-26.htm">creates man in his own image, blesses him;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/1-29.htm">grants the fruits of the earth for food.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/genesis/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>And let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky</b><br>This phrase refers to the creation of the sun, moon, and stars, which are described as "lights" in the sky. In the ancient Near Eastern context, celestial bodies were often associated with deities, but the biblical narrative emphasizes that these are creations of God, serving His purposes. The "expanse of the sky" refers to the firmament, a concept in ancient cosmology that describes the sky as a solid dome. This highlights God's sovereignty over creation, as He appoints these lights to serve specific functions. The lights are not divine but are instruments of God's order.<p><b>to shine upon the earth.</b><br>The purpose of these lights is to illuminate the earth, providing light for day and night. This reflects God's provision and care for His creation, ensuring that the earth is a habitable environment. The light is essential for life, symbolizing God's presence and guidance. In a broader biblical context, light often represents truth and righteousness, as seen in passages like <a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>, where Jesus declares Himself the "light of the world." This connection underscores the idea that God's creation is inherently good and purposeful.<p><b>And it was so.</b><br>This phrase signifies the fulfillment of God's command, emphasizing His authority and the power of His word. When God speaks, creation responds, illustrating the concept of divine fiat. This immediate obedience of creation to God's command is a recurring theme in <a href="/genesis/1.htm">Genesis 1</a>, highlighting the order and intentionality of the created world. It also foreshadows the reliability of God's promises throughout Scripture, as His word is always accomplished. This assurance is echoed in passages like <a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Isaiah 55:11</a>, where God's word is described as never returning void.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The Creator who speaks the universe into existence, demonstrating His sovereignty and power.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/lights.htm">Lights</a></b><br>Refers to the celestial bodies, specifically the sun, moon, and stars, created to illuminate the earth.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/expanse_of_the_sky.htm">Expanse of the Sky</a></b><br>The firmament or sky where the lights are placed, separating the heavens from the earth.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/earth.htm">Earth</a></b><br>The planet that receives light from these celestial bodies, highlighting its central role in God's creation.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/creation_event.htm">Creation Event</a></b><br>Part of the broader creation account where God orders the cosmos, emphasizing His intentional design.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_creation.htm">God's Sovereignty in Creation</a></b><br>Recognize that God is the ultimate authority and designer of the universe, and His creation reflects His power and order.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/purposeful_design.htm">Purposeful Design</a></b><br>Understand that the lights in the sky were created with a specific purpose&#8212;to illuminate the earth&#8212;demonstrating God's intentionality.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflection_of_god's_glory.htm">Reflection of God's Glory</a></b><br>The celestial bodies serve as a constant reminder of God's glory and His provision for the earth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god's_provision.htm">Dependence on God's Provision</a></b><br>Just as the earth relies on the sun and moon for light, we are to depend on God for spiritual illumination and guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/stewardship_of_creation.htm">Stewardship of Creation</a></b><br>As recipients of God's creation, we are called to steward the earth responsibly, acknowledging the beauty and order God has established.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_genesis_align_with_astrophysics.htm">How can the order of creation in Genesis match modern astrophysics when it contradicts known cosmological events?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_genesis_list_earth_before_stars.htm">Why does Genesis describe the Earth before the stars when science shows stars formed first?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_light_made_before_the_sun.htm">Did God create light before the sun? (Genesis 1:3-5 vs. Genesis 1:16-19)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'ephphatha'_mean.htm">What did God create on day four?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">To give light.</span>--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.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/1-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">and let them serve as</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1456;&#1492;&#1464;&#1497;&#1444;&#1493;&#1468;</span> <span class="translit">(w&#601;&#183;h&#257;&#183;y&#363;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lights</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1460;&#1502;&#1456;&#1488;&#1493;&#1465;&#1512;&#1465;&#1514;&#1433;</span> <span class="translit">(lim&#183;&#8217;&#333;&#183;w&#183;r&#333;&#7791;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l &#124; Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3974.htm">Strong's 3974: </a> </span><span class="str2">A luminous body, luminary, light, brightness, cheerfulness, a chandelier</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the expanse</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1460;&#1512;&#1456;&#1511;&#1460;&#1443;&#1497;&#1506;&#1463;</span> <span class="translit">(bir&#183;q&#238;&#183;a&#8216;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b &#124; Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7549.htm">Strong's 7549: </a> </span><span class="str2">An expanse, the firmament, visible arch of the sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the sky</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1492;&#1463;&#1513;&#1473;&#1468;&#1464;&#1502;&#1463;&#1428;&#1497;&#1460;&#1501;</span> <span class="translit">(ha&#353;&#183;&#353;&#257;&#183;ma&#183;yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article &#124; Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to shine</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1456;&#1492;&#1464;&#1488;&#1460;&#1430;&#1497;&#1512;</span> <span class="translit">(l&#601;&#183;h&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#238;r)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l &#124; Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_215.htm">Strong's 215: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become light</span><br /><br /><span class="word">upon</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1506;&#1463;&#1500;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8216;al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the earth.&#8221;</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1492;&#1464;&#1488;&#1464;&#1425;&#1512;&#1462;&#1509;</span> <span class="translit">(h&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#257;&#183;re&#7779;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article &#124; Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And it was</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1469;&#1463;&#1497;&#1456;&#1492;&#1460;&#1497;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(way&#183;h&#238;-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1461;&#1469;&#1503;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7733;&#234;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/1-15.htm">Genesis 1:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/1-15.htm">Genesis 1:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/1-15.htm">Genesis 1:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/1-15.htm">Genesis 1:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/1-15.htm">Genesis 1:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/1-15.htm">Genesis 1:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/1-15.htm">Genesis 1:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/1-15.htm">Genesis 1:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/1-15.htm">Genesis 1:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/1-15.htm">Genesis 1:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/1-15.htm">OT Law: Genesis 1:15 And let them be for lights (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/1-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 1:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 1:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/1-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 1:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 1:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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