Genesis 1:14

Authorized King James Version

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

And God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יְהִ֤י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מְאֹרֹת֙

H3974

Let there be lights

properly, a luminous body or luminary, i.e., (abstractly) light (as an element); figuratively, brightness, i.e.,cheerfulness; specifically, a chandeli

בִּרְקִ֣יעַ

H7549

in the firmament

properly, an expanse, i.e., the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

of the heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

לְהַבְדִּ֕יל

H914

to divide

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

בֵּ֥ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּלְיָמִ֖ים

H3117

and for days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#10

וּבֵ֣ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#11

הַלָּ֑יְלָה

H3915

from the night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

#12

וְהָי֤וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#13

לְאֹתֹת֙

H226

and let them be for signs

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

#14

וּלְמ֣וֹעֲדִ֔ים

H4150

and for seasons

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

#15

וּלְיָמִ֖ים

H3117

and for days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#16

וְשָׁנִֽים׃

H8141

and years

a year (as a revolution of time)

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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