Genesis 1:31

Passage

31 And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good.

And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Genesis 1:31 captures the culmination of the creation narrative with God reflecting on His work: ‘And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good.’ This divine evaluation underscores the goodness and intentionality behind creation. The phrase “very good” signifies not just functionality but a reflection of God’s own perfect will. This completeness invites us to marvel at the harmony and order presented as God concludes His work on the sixth day with the rhythmic pattern of evening and morning. In 2 Corinthians 4:6, Paul echoes this creative wisdom by speaking about God’s enlightening work in believers’ hearts. Christ’s work also offers a restoration of this ‘very good’ state. Reflecting on God’s sovereign oversight encourages us to honour creation in our lives, striving for harmony and recognising the inherent value in all God has made. As we ponder this passage, may it inspire us to live as part of God’s beautiful design, continually seeking to reflect His goodness.

Study

Context

**Genesis 1:31** concludes the creation narrative, marking the end of the sixth day. This text reflects the ancient Hebrew understanding of time, where days begin in the evening. The phrase "very good" indicates God's approval of His entire creation, signifying harmony and completeness. This moment also precedes the establishment of the Sabbath, highlighting a rhythm between work and rest.

Verse-by-Verse

“

31 And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good.

This phrase indicates God's reflective closing of His creative process. The word 'indeed' emphasizes affirmation, and 'very good' suggests an absence of flaw, highlighting the perfection of creation.
“

And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

This summarises the completion of the creative act for the sixth day, embedding the ancient practice of measuring days from evening to morning, which sets the cycle for creation.

Cross References

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6: Paul uses creation language to speak of God's work in bringing light into believers' hearts.
  • Matthew 19:4: Jesus references creation in discussing human relationships, underscoring the original goodness and intention in God's design.

Highlights

  • God's declaration of creation as "very good" signifies perfection and divine satisfaction.
  • The structure of day and night emphasizes the orderly nature of God's creation.

Insights (Christ-Centred)

  • The passage anticipates the restoration of creation through Christ, reflecting God's original intentions for harmony and goodness.

Key Themes

  • Goodness of Creation: God declares all creation as 'very good', showing His satisfaction with His work.
  • Sovereignty of God: The order and completion of creation reflect God's control and purpose.
  • Divine Evaluation: God's assessment reveals His standard and intentionality in creation.

Takeaways

Personal Applications

  • Recognising God's Goodness: This passage encourages us to see creation, including ourselves, as part of God's good design and to value it accordingly.
  • Living in Harmony: Understanding that creation was deemed 'very good' inspires us to live harmoniously with it and others.

Reflections

  • How does knowing that God saw His creation as 'very good' change the way I view the world and myself?
  • What aspects of my daily life can reflect God's orderly and good creation?