Genesis 1:17 kjv

And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,

Genesis 1:17 nkjv

God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth,

Genesis 1:17 niv

God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth,

Genesis 1:17 esv

And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,

Genesis 1:17 nlt

God set these lights in the sky to light the earth,

Genesis 1 verses

Genesis 1 17 Meaning

Genesis 1:17 describes God's intentional act of placing the celestial luminaries, created on the fourth day, within the firmament of the heavens. Their primary purpose is established: to illuminate the earth, serving as divinely ordained sources of light for His created world. This verse underscores God's meticulous design and purposeful ordering of creation, ensuring all elements function according to His will for the benefit of life on Earth.

Genesis 1 17 Context

Genesis chapter 1 recounts the orderly creation of the heavens and the earth by God. Verse 17 follows the description of the fourth day of creation, specifically Gen 1:14-16, where God declares the purpose of these lights. Initially, "light" (אור, ‘or) was created on Day 1 (Gen 1:3), but on Day 4, God creates specific "light-bearers" or luminaries (מאורות, me’orot)—the sun, moon, and stars—to give off that light. This verse therefore explains where God placed these lights and re-emphasizes their function. Historically and culturally, ancient Near Eastern peoples often deified the sun, moon, and stars, viewing them as powerful gods or spirits. Genesis 1:17 directly challenges this polytheistic worldview by portraying these celestial bodies not as deities themselves, but as created objects positioned by the one true God, given a specific, utilitarian purpose: to provide light upon the earth. They are subservient to God's will, not rulers in their own right.

Genesis 1 17 Word analysis

• And: (וַיִּתֵּן - vayyitten) - This "and" serves as a narrative conjunction, connecting the action of setting the lights to their previous creation (in v.16). It introduces the continuation and completion of God's work on the fourth day. The Hebrew verb vayyitten (literally "and He gave/put/placed") emphasizes God's deliberate and active role.
• God: (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim) - The plural form, used here, often signifies the fullness, majesty, and transcendent power of the one true God, the Creator. It consistently refers to the singular, all-powerful deity in the creation account.
• set: (וַיִּתֵּן - vayyitten) - This is the same Hebrew verb translated as "And" or "He gave/placed." Its primary meaning here is to put, place, or establish. It conveys divine intentionality and stability in the positioning of these great lights. They were not merely brought into existence but were firmly and purposefully placed in their designated realm.
• them: (אֹתָם - ‘otam) - Refers directly back to the "two great lights" (sun and moon) and implicitly the "stars also" mentioned in Genesis 1:16. God sets all the celestial luminaries in their proper places.
• in the firmament: (בִּרְקִיעַ - birqia‘) - Raqia‘ (firmament or expanse) is often translated as "dome" or "expanse." It refers to the atmospheric space, or sky, which God created on Day 2 to separate the waters above from the waters below (Gen 1:6-8). The lights are placed within this expanse, which describes what is visible to the human eye, not necessarily a solid physical dome. It emphasizes their spatial context.
• of the heaven: (הַשָּׁמָיִם - hashshamayim) - Shamayim (heavens/sky) refers to the visible sky, the region above the earth. The phrase "firmament of the heaven" specifies the location within the sky or atmosphere. This is the dwelling place of the celestial bodies from an earthly perspective.
• to give light: (לְהָאִיר - l'ha'ir) - Leha’ir is the infinitive construct of the verb ‘or (to give light/to shine). This phrase explicitly states the primary purpose or function for which these lights were created and placed. They are functional, serving God's design for creation.
• upon the earth: (עַל־הָאָרֶץ - ‘al-ha'aretz) - Specifies the direct recipient and beneficiary of this light. The purpose of these luminaries is specifically for the benefit and illumination of the terrestrial realm and its inhabitants.

Word Groups Analysis:

• And God set them: Highlights the active and purposeful nature of the Creator. It underscores His sovereignty and design. The creation is not haphazard; it's meticulously orchestrated by God Himself.
• in the firmament of the heaven: Establishes the specific sphere of their placement. This realm, visible to the human eye, becomes the domain for these newly created light sources, affirming the divine ordering of cosmic space.
• to give light upon the earth: This phrase succinctly communicates the teleological (purpose-driven) aspect of creation. The lights exist not for their own sake, or to be worshipped, but to serve a direct, essential function for the Earth, maintaining the conditions necessary for life. This explicitly counters any notion of celestial bodies as objects of veneration.

Genesis 1 17 Bonus section

The positioning of the lights within the firmament reflects a "phenomenological" description of creation—describing things as they appear to a human observer, rather than offering a precise scientific or mechanical explanation. This perspective allows the narrative to focus on the why (purpose) and who (God's role) of creation, which are the primary theological concerns of the text. This intentional positioning of celestial bodies on Day 4, following the light of Day 1, demonstrates progressive revelation in creation. God established a general principle (light) before giving the specific instruments (luminaries) for its continual dispensation and the measurement of time, underscoring God's perfect sequence in His creative work.

Genesis 1 17 Commentary

Genesis 1:17 encapsulates the divine foresight and order foundational to creation. After bringing the great luminaries into existence, God personally "sets" or establishes them within the "firmament of the heaven." This is not a passive act but a deliberate placement, underscoring God's meticulous design. The placement within the visible sky serves the specific function "to give light upon the earth." This emphasis on purpose is central: the sun, moon, and stars are not accidental occurrences or self-existing entities. They are created objects, positioned by God, with the specific intent of providing illumination for the Earth. This divine design ensures the proper conditions for life and maintains the rhythm of day and night. The verse further serves as a subtle yet potent polemic against pagan beliefs prevalent in the ancient world, where celestial bodies were often revered as gods. Genesis unequivocally declares them to be mere servants of the true Creator, stripped of any inherent divinity, thereby redirecting worship solely to the God who made them.