Old Testament
Genesis 1:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
God looked at everything he had made, and it was very good. Evening came, and then morning — the 6th day.
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And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
What Genesis 1:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, God takes a step back to admire all that He has created. Everything He made is not just good; it is very good. This declaration emphasizes the beauty and perfection of the world around us. Each element, from the smallest detail to the grandest design, reflects His intention and care. The day concludes with evening, marking the end of the sixth day of creation. This moment invites us to appreciate the world we live in and recognize the goodness in it. It reminds us that creation is not just a backdrop for our lives but a masterpiece filled with purpose and meaning. By acknowledging the goodness of creation, we can cultivate gratitude and a deeper connection to the world around us. This perspective encourages us to see the beauty in everyday life and to cherish the environment we inhabit, fostering a sense of responsibility to care for it as well. God’s approval of His creation sets a standard for us to strive for in our own lives, aiming for goodness in our actions and relationships.
How to apply Genesis 1:31 to your life
Take a moment to reflect on the beauty around you. Consider how you can appreciate and care for the environment in your daily life. Small actions, like recycling or spending time outdoors, can help you connect with the world and honor its goodness. Embrace gratitude for the life you have and the world you inhabit. Every day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate creation's beauty and purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Adam's story: God Forms Adam from the Dust (Genesis 1:26–31)
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Adam
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Keep studying Genesis 1:31
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 1:31 mean?
Genesis 1:31 means that after creating the world, God evaluated everything He made and declared it to be very good. This highlights the perfection and beauty of creation, emphasizing that all aspects of the world reflect His intention.
What is the significance of 'very good' in Genesis 1:31?
The phrase 'very good' in Genesis 1:31 signifies that God's creation is not only good but perfect and complete. It underscores the idea that everything created has a purpose and contributes to the overall harmony of the world.
How does Genesis 1:31 relate to environmental responsibility?
Genesis 1:31 encourages us to appreciate the beauty and goodness of creation, which can inspire a sense of responsibility to care for the environment. Recognizing the value of the world around us can motivate us to take actions that protect and preserve it.
What can we learn from Genesis 1:31?
From Genesis 1:31, we learn to appreciate the beauty and purpose of creation. It invites us to cultivate gratitude for our surroundings and encourages us to see the goodness in everyday life.
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