Genesis 1:31 – “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”
Extended Explanation
Genesis 1:31 marks the conclusion of the creation narrative in Genesis 1. After completing the work of creation, God looks over everything He has made and declares it “very good.” This declaration is different from the earlier assessments of His work, which were simply “good.” The addition of “very” emphasizes the perfection and completeness of God’s creation at this point. Everything was functioning in harmony, just as God intended. The verse also notes the completion of the sixth day, which was the final day of God’s creative work before He rested on the seventh day. This verse encapsulates God’s satisfaction and pleasure in His creation, highlighting that the world was created exactly as He desired.
Historical Context
In the ancient Near East, where various creation myths existed, the Genesis account stands out for its portrayal of creation as a deliberate and orderly process. Many other cultures depicted the world as the result of chaotic battles between gods, but Genesis presents a God who creates with intention and purpose. The affirmation that creation was “very good” would have been a powerful statement to the original audience, countering the often pessimistic or fearful views of the world found in other cultures. This verse also reflects a worldview in which the physical world is seen as inherently good and valuable, in contrast to some ancient beliefs that viewed the material world as inferior or corrupt.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Genesis 1:31 affirms the goodness of God’s creation. This verse tells us that everything God made was exactly as He intended, without flaw or defect. This challenges any notion that the material world is inherently bad or that God made a mistake in creating it. Instead, it suggests that the world’s current brokenness is the result of sin, not of God’s original design. The declaration that creation was “very good” also points to the character of God as a good and perfect Creator. It implies that God’s intentions for the world are rooted in goodness, love, and purpose. Additionally, this verse lays the foundation for understanding the value and dignity of the created order, including humanity, which is a central theme throughout the Bible.
Literary Analysis
Genesis 1:31 serves as a literary climax to the creation narrative. The repetition of “And God saw” throughout Genesis 1 builds up to this final declaration that all of creation was “very good.” The use of the word “all” underscores the completeness and totality of God’s creative work. The phrase “evening, and there was morning” marks the end of the sixth day and serves as a rhythmic closure to the creation week. The structure of this verse, with its emphasis on God’s evaluation and the completion of the sixth day, highlights the deliberate and purposeful nature of God’s creative work.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” This verse reflects the theme of creation’s goodness and its role in revealing God’s glory.
- 1 Timothy 4:4 – “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” This verse echoes Genesis 1:31, affirming the inherent goodness of God’s creation.
- Revelation 4:11 – “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” This passage praises God as the Creator, emphasizing that all creation exists because of His will and purpose.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Genesis 1:31 serves as a reminder that God’s creation, including our lives, was made with purpose and is inherently good. This verse encourages believers to see the world through the lens of God’s original intention—seeing beauty, order, and value in the world around us. It also challenges us to reflect on the brokenness in the world and recognize that it is a distortion of what God originally declared “very good.” This understanding should inspire Christians to engage in the work of restoration, seeking to bring healing and wholeness to the world in accordance with God’s original design.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Genesis 1:31 reflects the love of God in His satisfaction with creation. By declaring all that He made as “very good,” God shows His delight in the work of His hands, including humanity. This verse reveals a God who cares deeply about His creation and takes pleasure in it. The love of God is evident in the fact that He did not create out of necessity or accident but out of a desire to share His goodness and beauty with the world. God’s love is further demonstrated in His provision and care for creation, ensuring that it is not only good but also sustainable and flourishing.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is central to understanding the fullness of God’s creation. In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as the one through whom and for whom all things were created (Colossians 1:16). The declaration that creation was “very good” finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the perfect image of God and the one who upholds all things by His power (Hebrews 1:3). Moreover, Jesus’ redemptive work is about restoring creation to its original goodness, which was marred by sin. In Revelation 21:5, Jesus says, “I am making everything new!”—a promise that points to the renewal of all things, restoring creation to the “very good” state that God intended from the beginning.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does recognizing the goodness of God’s creation affect your view of the world and your place in it?
- In what ways can you participate in God’s work of restoration and healing in the world?
- How does understanding God’s love for His creation impact your relationship with Him?
- What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is restoring all things to the “very good” state that God originally intended?