Genesis 1

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 1:23

(23) The fifth day.—Upon the work of the first four days geology is virtually silent, and the theories respecting the physical formation of the world belong to other sciences. But as regards the fifth day, its testimony is ample. In the lowest strata of rocks, such as the Cambrian and Silurian, we find marine animals, mollusca, and trilobites; higher up in the Devonian rocks we find fish; in the Carbonaceous period we find reptiles; and above these, in the Permian, those mighty saurians,... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 1:24

(24) Let the earth bring forth.—Neither this, nor the corresponding phrase in Genesis 1:20, necessarily imply spontaneous generation, though such is its literal meaning. It need mean no more than that land animals, produced on the dry ground, were now to follow upon those produced in the waters. However produced, we believe that the sole active power was the creative will of God, but of His modus operandi we know nothing.On this sixth creative day there are four words of power. By the first,... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 1:26

(26) Let us make man.—Comp. Genesis 11:7. The making of man is so ushered in as to show that at length the work of creation had reached its perfection and ultimate goal. As regards the use of the plural here, Maimonides thinks that God took counsel with the earth, the latter supplying the body and Elohim the soul. But it is denied in Isaiah 40:13 that God ever took counsel with any one but Himself. The Jewish interpreters generally think that the angels are meant. More truly and more reverently... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 1:27

(27) Created.—This significant verb is thrice repeated with reference to man. It indicates, first, that man has that in him which was not a development or evolution, but something new. He is, in fact, the most perfect work of the creative energy, and differs from the animals not only in degree, but in kind, though possessing, in common with them, an organised body. And next, it indicates the rejoicing of the Deity at the completion of His purpose. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 1:29

(29) Every herb bearing seed . . . every tree.—Of the three classes of plants enumerated in Genesis 1:11, the two most perfect kinds are given to man for his food; while in Genesis 1:30 the birds and animals have not merely the cryptogamous plants of the first class, but every green herb granted to them for their sustenance. We are not to suppose that they did not eat seeds and fruits, but that the fundamental supply for the maintenance of animal life was the blade and leaf, and that of human... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 1:31

(31) Behold, it was very good.—This final blessing of God’s completed work on the Friday must be compared with the final words of Christ spoken of the second creation, upon the same day of the week, when He said “It is finished.” Next we must notice that this world was only good until man was placed upon it, but then became very good. This verdict, too, had respect to man as a species, and is not therefore annulled by the fall. In spite, therefore, of the serious responsibilities attendant upon... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Genesis 1:1-31

The Creation Genesis 1:2 Every writing must be judged by the object the writer has in view. If the object of the writer of these chapters was to convey physical information, then certainly it is imperfectly fulfilled. But if his object was to give an intelligible account of God's relation to the world and to man, then it must be owned that he has been successful in the highest degree. Intimate communion with God, a spirit trained to discern spiritual things, a perfect understanding and zeal... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Genesis 1:1-31

THE CREATIONGenesis 1:1-31; Genesis 2:1-25 IF anyone is in search of accurate information regarding the age of this earth, or its relation to the sun, moon, and stars, or regarding the order in which plants and animals have appeared upon it, he is referred to recent textbooks in astronomy, geology, and palaeontology. No one for a moment dreams of referring a serious student of these subjects to the Bible as a source of information. It is not the object of the writers of Scripture to impart... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Genesis 1:1-31

Analysis and Annotations I. THE CREATION ACCOUNT The manner in which the book of Genesis begins leaves no doubt that it is the revelation of God. The creation account is historical truth. The question is how was it given? An answer to this question claims that the Jews obtained the account from the records of other nations concerning the origin of the universe and that they altered it according to their own religious ideas. This is an impossibility. The ancient heathen nations considered God... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Genesis 1:1

1:1 In the {a} beginning God created the heaven and the earth.(a) First of all, and before any creature was, God made heaven and earth out of nothing. read more

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 1:23

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 1:24

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 1:26

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 1:27

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 1:29

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 1:31

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Genesis 1:1-31

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Genesis 1:1-31

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Genesis 1:1-31

Geneva Study Bible - Genesis 1:1

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