Genesis 1:1-31 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:1-2

In these verses we have the work of creation in its epitome and in its embryo. I. In its epitome, Gen. 1:1; where we find, to our comfort, the first article of our creed, that God the Father Almighty is the Maker of heaven and earth, and as such we believe in him. 1. Observe, in this verse, four things:? (1.) The effect produced?the heaven and the earth, that is, the world, including the whole frame and furniture of the universe, the world and all things therein, Acts 17:24. The world is a... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:3-5

We have here a further account of the first day's work, in which observe, 1. That the first of all visible beings which God created was light; not that by it he himself might see to work (for the darkness and light are both alike to him), but that by it we might see his works and his glory in them, and might work our works while it is day. The works of Satan and his servants are works of darkness; but he that doeth truth, and doeth good, cometh to the light, and coveteth it, that his deeds may... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:6-8

We have here an account of the second day's work, the creation of the firmament, in which observe, 1. The command of God concerning it: Let there be a firmament, an expansion, so the Hebrew word signifies, like a sheet spread, or a curtain drawn out. This includes all that is visible above the earth, between it and the third heavens: the air, its higher, middle, and lower, regions?the celestial globe, and all the spheres and orbs of light above: it reaches as high as the place where the stars... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:9-13

The third day's work is related in these verses?the forming of the sea and the dry land, and the making of the earth fruitful. Hitherto the power of the Creator had been exerted and employed about the upper part of the visible word; the light of heaven was kindled, and the firmament of heaven fixed: but now he descends to this lower world, the earth, which was designed for the children of men, designed both for their habitation and for their maintenance; and here we have an account of the... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:14-19

This is the history of the fourth day's work, the creating of the sun, moon, and stars, which are here accounted for, not as they are in themselves and in their own nature, to satisfy the curious, but as they are in relation to this earth, to which they serve as lights; and this is enough to furnish us with matter for praise and thanksgiving. Holy Job mentions this as an instance of the glorious power of God, that by the Spirit he hath garnished the heavens (Job 26:13); and here we have an... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:20-23

Each day, hitherto, has produced very noble and excellent beings, which we can never sufficiently admire; but we do not read of the creation of any living creature till the fifth day, of which these verses give us an account. The work of creation not only proceeded gradually from one thing to another, but rose and advanced gradually from that which was less excellent to that which was more so, teaching us to press towards perfection and endeavour that our last works may be our best works. It... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:24-25

We have here the first part of the sixth day's work. The sea was, the day before, replenished with its fish, and the air with its fowl; and this day were made the beasts of the earth, the cattle, and the creeping things that pertain to the earth. Here, as before, 1. The Lord gave the word; he said, Let the earth bring forth, not as if the earth had any such prolific virtue as to produce these animals, or as if God resigned his creating power to it; but, ?Let these creatures now come into being... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:26-28

We have here the second part of the sixth day's work, the creation of man, which we are, in a special manner, concerned to take notice of, that we may know ourselves. Observe, I. That man was made last of all the creatures, that it might not be suspected that he had been, any way, a helper to God in the creation of the world: that question must be for ever humbling and mortifying to him, Where wast thou, or any of thy kind, when I laid the foundations of the earth? Job 38:4. Yet it was both an... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:29-30

We have here the third part of the sixth day's work, which was not any new creation, but a gracious provision of food for all flesh, Ps. 136:25. He that made man and beast thus took care to preserve both, Ps. 36:6. Here is, I. Food provided for man, Gen. 1:29. Herbs and fruits must be his meat, including corn and all the products of the earth; these were allowed him, but (it should seem) not flesh, till after the flood, Gen. 9:3. And before the earth was deluged, much more before it was cursed... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:31

We have here the approbation and conclusion of the whole work of creation. As for God, his work is perfect; and if he begin he will also make an end, in providence and grace, as well as here in creation. Observe, I. The review God took of his work: He saw every thing that he had made. So he does still; all the works of his hands are under his eye. He that made all sees all; he that made us sees us, Ps. 139:1-16. Omniscience cannot be separated from omnipotence. Known unto God are all his... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:1-2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:3-5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:6-8

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:9-13

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:14-19

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:20-23

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:24-25

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:26-28

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:29-30

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 1:31

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