Genesis 1:8
Genesis 1:8 in Multiple Translations
God called the expanse “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
And God called the firmament Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.
And God gave the arch the name of Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
God called the expanse, “sky.” So there was evening, and then the morning, making day two.
And God called the firmament Heauen. So the Euening and the morning were the second day.
And God calleth to the expanse 'Heavens;' and there is an evening, and there is a morning — day second.
God called the expanse “sky”. There was evening and there was morning, a second day.
And God called the firmament Heaven: and the evening and the morning were the second day.
And God called the firmament, Heaven; and the evening and morning were the second day.
Then there was another evening, which was followed by another morning. He called that period of time ‘the second day’.
And when God made it, he called it sky. After that all happened, there was night time and there was morning time. That was day number 2.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 1:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 1:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
וַיִּקְרָ֧א
לָֽרָקִ֖יעַ
שָׁמָ֑יִם
וַֽיְהִי־
עֶ֥רֶב
וַֽיְהִי־
בֹ֖קֶר
שֵׁנִֽי׃פ
י֥וֹם
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
’ĕ·lō·hîm
H430
God
Noun - masculine plural
וַיִּקְרָ֧א
way·yiq·rā
H7121
called
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
לָֽרָקִ֖יעַ
lā·rā·qî·a‘
H7549
the expanse
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
שָׁמָ֑יִם
šā·mā·yim
H8064
sky
Noun - masculine plural
וַֽיְהִי־
way·hî-
H1961
And there was
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
עֶ֥רֶב
‘e·reḇ
H6153
evening
Noun - masculine singular
וַֽיְהִי־
way·hî-
H1961
and there was
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
בֹ֖קֶר
ḇō·qer
H1242
morning
Noun - masculine singular
שֵׁנִֽי׃פ
šê·nî
H8145
the second
Number - ordinal masculine singular
י֥וֹם
yō·wm
H3117
day
Noun - masculine singular
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 1:8
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
’ĕ·lō·hîm
H430
"God"
Noun - masculine plural
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2247 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַיִּקְרָ֧א
way·yiq·rā
H7121
"called"
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 687 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 2:5.
לָֽרָקִ֖יעַ
lā·rā·qî·a‘
H7549
"the expanse"
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
The Hebrew word for the sky or heavens, describing the firmament as a solid surface. It appears in Genesis 1:6-8, where God separates the waters. The KJV translates it as 'firmament'.
Definition: 1) extended surface (solid), expanse, firmament 1a) expanse (flat as base, support) 1b) firmament (of vault of heaven supporting waters above) 1b1) considered by Hebrews as solid and supporting 'waters' above
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: firmament. See also: Genesis 1:6; Psalms 19:1; Psalms 150:1.
שָׁמָ֑יִם
šā·mā·yim
H8064
"sky"
Noun - masculine plural
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
וַֽיְהִי־
way·hî-
H1961
"And there was"
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3132 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עֶ֥רֶב
‘e·reḇ
H6153
"evening"
Noun - masculine singular
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:5.
וַֽיְהִי־
way·hî-
H1961
"and there was"
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3132 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בֹ֖קֶר
ḇō·qer
H1242
"morning"
Noun - masculine singular
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:3.
שֵׁנִֽי׃פ
šê·nî
H8145
"the second"
Number - ordinal masculine singular
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.
Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)
Usage: Occurs in 151 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 2 Samuel 16:19; Isaiah 11:11.
י֥וֹם
yō·wm
H3117
"day"
Noun - masculine singular
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — Genesis 1:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 1:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 1:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 1:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 1:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 1:8
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 1:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 1:8
- Sermons on Genesis 1:8
Context — The Second Day
6And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters, to separate the waters from the waters.”
7So God made the expanse and separated the waters beneath it from the waters above. And it was so.
8God called the expanse “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.
9And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered into one place, so that the dry land may appear.” And it was so. 10God called the dry land “earth,” and the gathering of waters He called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 1:5 | God called the light “day,” and the darkness He called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. |
| 2 | Genesis 1:19 | And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day. |
| 3 | Genesis 1:10 | God called the dry land “earth,” and the gathering of waters He called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. |
| 4 | Genesis 1:31 | And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. |
| 5 | Genesis 1:23 | And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day. |
| 6 | Genesis 1:13 | And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day. |
| 7 | Genesis 5:2 | Male and female He created them, and He blessed them. And in the day they were created, He called them “man.” |
Genesis 1:8 Summary
In Genesis 1:8, God gives a name to the expanse He created, calling it 'sky'. This shows that God is not just a powerful Creator, but also a personal and detail-oriented One. Just as He separated the waters and gave names to different parts of creation, like the 'earth' and 'seas' in Genesis 1:10, we can trust that He has a purpose and plan for our lives, and that He is always working to bring order and beauty out of chaos (as seen in Isaiah 45:18). As we reflect on this verse, we can be reminded of the wonder and majesty of God's creation, and the importance of trusting in His goodness and sovereignty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expanse that God called 'sky' in Genesis 1:8?
The expanse, or 'sky', refers to the atmosphere that separates the waters above from the waters below, as described in Genesis 1:6-7. This is the space where birds will later fly, as seen in Genesis 1:20.
Why does the Bible say 'And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day' in Genesis 1:8?
This phrase marks the completion of the second day of creation, as God is establishing a pattern of work and rest, which will later be reflected in the Sabbath commandment, as seen in Exodus 20:11.
Is the 'sky' in Genesis 1:8 the same as the heavens mentioned in other parts of the Bible?
While related, the 'sky' in Genesis 1:8 specifically refers to the atmosphere surrounding the earth, whereas the 'heavens' can refer to the broader expanse of God's creation, including the celestial bodies, as seen in Psalm 19:1.
What is the significance of God giving names to the different parts of creation, like the 'sky' in Genesis 1:8?
God giving names to creation emphasizes His authority and dominion over all that He has made, as seen in Psalm 8:3-8, and highlights the order and purpose that He has established in the universe.
Reflection Questions
- What does the fact that God named the expanse 'sky' reveal about His creative power and attention to detail?
- How does the establishment of the sky and the passage of time in Genesis 1:8 relate to our own understanding of time and our place in the world?
- In what ways can we, as believers, reflect God's creative and ordering work in our own lives, just as He separated the waters and named the sky?
- What does the simple, yet profound, statement 'And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day' teach us about the rhythm and beauty of God's creation?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 1:8
And God called the firmament heaven,.... Including the starry and airy heavens: it has its name from its height in the Arabic language, it being above the earth, and reaching to the third heaven;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 1:8
And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. Let there be a firmament , [ raaqiya` (H7549)] - expansion.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 1:8
Genesis 1:8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.Ver. 8. And the evening, &c.] Here is no mention of God’ s approbation of this second day’ s work. Not for that hell was then created, or the reprobate angels then ejected, as the Jews give as the reason of it; but because this day’ s work was left unperfected, till the next; to the which, therefore, the blessing was reserved, and is then redoubled. God delights to do his works, not all at once, but by degrees, that we may take time to contemplate them piecemeal, and see him in every one of them, as in an optic glass. "Consider the lilies of the field," saith our Saviour. "Go to the ant, thou sluggard," saith Solomon. Luther wished Pontanus, Chancellor of Saxony, to contemplate the star-chamber of heaven, that stupendous archwork borne up by no props or pillars, and yet not falling on our heads: the thick clouds also hanging often over us with great weight, and yet vanishing again, when they have greeted us but with their threatening looks. And cannot God as easily uphold his sinking saints, and blow over any storm that hangs over their heads? An artificer takes it ill, if when he hath finished some intricate piece of work, and sets it forth to be seen, as Apelles was wont to do, men slight it, and take no notice of his handiwork.
And is there not a woe to such stupid persons as "regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands?." He was telling any tale from a bowl but that one stirred our ears, is a proverb among the Greeks. Christ was by at the creation, and rejoiced; angels also were by at the doing of a great deal, and were wrapped with admiration. Shall they shout for joy, and we be silent? Oh, how should we vex at the vile dulness of our hearts, that are no more affected with these indelible ravishments! Proponit contemplandam pulcherrimam caeli concame rationem nullis pilis et columnis impositam, &c. - Scultet. Annal. 276
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 1:8
(8) God called the firmament (the expanse) Heaven.—This is a Saxon word, and means something heaved up. The Hebrew probably means the heights, or upper regions, into which the walls of cities nevertheless ascend (Deuteronomy 1:28). In Genesis 1:1, “the heaven” may include the abysmal regions of space; here it means the atmosphere round our earth, which, at a distance of about forty-five miles from the surface, melts away into the imponderable ether. The work of the second day is not described as being good, though the LXX. add this usual formula. Probably, however, the work of the second and third days is regarded as one. In both there was a separation of waters; but it was only when the open expanse reached the earth’s surface, and reduced its temperature, that water could exist in any other form than that of vapour. But no sooner did it exist in a fluid form than the pressure of the atmosphere would make it seek the lowest level. The cooling, moreover, of the earth’s surface would produce cracks and fissures, into which the waters would descend, and when these processes were well advanced, then at the end of the third day “God saw that it was good.”
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 1:8
8. God called the firmament Heaven] It is clear therefore that what the Hebrews meant by “Heaven,” was neither the clouds and mist, nor the empty space of the sky. It was a solid arch, to which, as we shall see in Genesis 1:14, the luminaries of the sky could be attached. At the close of the description of the work on the other days, we find the formula “And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:10; Genesis 1:12; Genesis 1:18; Genesis 1:21; Genesis 1:25; Genesis 1:31). The omission of it here, at the close of the second day, is probably due to textual error. LXX adds after the word “Heaven,” “and God saw that it was good.” It is more probable that the words have fallen out accidentally from the Hebrew text, than that the formula was intentionally omitted because, “the waters under the firmament” not having yet received their place, the Divine work upon the waters of the deep was regarded as still incomplete.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 1:8
8. God called the firmament Heaven — Rather, called the expanse Heavens. Here the writer defines the meaning of the word “heavens,” which he had used in the first verse.
Sermons on Genesis 1:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Purge Out the Old Leaven by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of Jesus with others, drawing inspiration from the example of Dale Moody. The preacher also highlights |
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Answers to the Skeptical Questions of the Age by Ken Ham | This sermon focuses on apologetics, providing answers to defend our faith. It delves into topics like the Creation Museum, genetic variability, the concept of days in Genesis, and |
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(Debate) Did God Create the World in Millions of Years? by Shane Idleman | This sermon delves into the debate between the age of the Earth as perceived by neurologists in Kenya, estimated at 6,000 years, and evolutionists/geologists who suggest a billion |
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Jesus - the Greatest Preacher by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson delves into the significance of Jesus as a preacher, emphasizing the public proclamation and widespread message of the Gospel. He explores the lineage of preachers |
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Six Literal Days - Really? by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch addresses the conflict between the Genesis account of creation and the theories of science, emphasizing the importance of trusting God's Word over man's interpretations |
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Our Daily Homily - Genesis by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound lessons found in Genesis, illustrating how God's ways often differ from human expectations. He highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and |
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Eternity to Eternity 10 Genesis 1:1 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the fourth day of creation, where God created the heavenly light that shines upon the earth. The moon is used as a symbol of the church in t |