Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Genesis, Chapter 1בראשית 1

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Repeated divine speech orders the unformed deep into a habitable world, distinguishing light from darkness, waters above from waters below, sea from dry land, and finally setting humanity within the created order as the image-bearing creature commissioned to rule and to fill the earth beneath God's blessing. The movement is not a myth of struggling deities or emergent chaos, but a measured sequence in which the one God speaks, separates, names, blesses, and evaluates. Each day advances the world from formlessness toward inhabited fruitfulness until humanity appears as the creaturely image set within creation's order rather than outside it. This movement therefore establishes from the outset that the world is intelligible because it is spoken into shape, good because it stands under divine evaluation, and ordered for life beneath the blessing and sovereignty of its Creator.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. This opening scene is one of the classic loci where translation and exegesis turn on a handful of densely loaded Hebrew expressions. The opening בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא (1:1) is traditionally rendered as an absolute beginning clause ('In the beginning God created'), though the construct-like form of בְּרֵאשִׁית has also generated subordinate construals ('When God began to create'); the MT pointing favors the familiar absolute reading in the history of Jewish and Christian reception. Verse 2's תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ describes the earth not as evil matter but as unformed desolation awaiting divine ordering, while רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים מְרַחֶפֶת admits the usual rendering 'the Spirit of God was hovering' as well as the less personal 'a mighty wind from God'; the traditional canonical reading is retained while the lexical ambiguity is noted. רָקִיעַ (day two) denotes the beaten-out expanse or firmament that structures the waters above and below; English 'firmament' preserves the traditional cosmological register better than flatter paraphrases. The MT notably omits the explicit 'and God saw that it was good' at the close of day two, unlike the common LXX wording, so the seven-part rhythm of the narrative includes one day without the formula before the twofold evaluation of day three. At 1:21 תַּנִּינִם should be translated straightforwardly as great sea creatures or sea monsters, not reduced in advance to whales. The plural deliberation of 1:26 ('Let us make man in our image') is preserved as a real feature of the Hebrew wording without prematurely collapsing its interpretive history; in context the verse climaxes the ordered sequence by presenting humanity as the royal image within creation. Versification follows the MT.

1

בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית בָּרָ֣א אֱלֹהִ֑ים אֵ֥ת הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וְאֵ֥ת הָאָֽרֶץ

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Absolute opening statementasyndeton
Asyndeton gives the narrative the strongest possible opening: no connective, no narrative preface, only the programmatic assertion that God created all that follows. The clause functions as the cosmological headline of the chapter, and the merism 'the heavens and the earth' presents the total created order in summary before verse 2 describes its still-unordered state.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
בְּרֵאשִׁ֖יתin the beginningprep בְּ + N f sg abs · רֵאשִׁית (H7225)Temporal prepositional phrase (fronted setting)רֵאשִׁית (H7225) 'beginning, first, chief', from רֹאשׁ 'head'; the temporal beginning of the created order.
בָּרָ֣אcreatedQal perf 3ms · בָּרָא (H1254)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive creative actבָּרָא (H1254) 'to create'; in Qal always with God as subject — effortless origination, no material named.
אֱלֹהִ֑יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of בָּרָאאֱלֹהִים (H430), plural in form but takes singular verbs of Israel's God (plural of majesty/fullness).
אֵ֥ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Direct object (first member of merism)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; with אֶרֶץ a merism for the whole cosmos.
וְאֵ֥תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks הָאָרֶץ as the definite second object.
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object (second member of merism)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; second member of the heavens-and-earth merism for all creation.
2

וְהָאָ֗רֶץ הָיְתָ֥ה תֹ֨הוּ֙ וָבֹ֔הוּ וְחֹ֖שֶׁךְ עַל פְּנֵ֣י תְה֑וֹם וְר֣וּחַ אֱלֹהִ֔ים מְרַחֶ֖פֶת עַל פְּנֵ֥י הַמָּֽיִם

Now the earth was waste and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Circumstantial backgroundו
The prefixed waw here does not merely advance the storyline; it introduces the background state out of which the creative fiats of verses 3 and following proceed. The verse unfolds as three descriptive cola: the earth's unformed condition, darkness over the deep, and the רוח אלהים hovering over the waters.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְהָאָ֗רֶץand the earthconj וְ + art + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject of הָיְתָה (background clause)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; subject of the circumstantial clause describing the pre-ordered state.
הָיְתָ֥הwasQal perf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (circumstantial clause)→ Perfective: anterior background state before creation beginsהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, exist'; describes the earth's unordered condition prior to the creative fiats.
תֹ֨הוּ֙wasteN m sg abs · תֹהוּ (H8414)Predicate complement (first of pair)תֹהוּ (H8414) 'formlessness, waste'; paired with בֹהוּ as a fixed rhyming word-pair for utter desolation.
וָבֹ֔הוּand voidconj וָ + N m sg abs · בֹהוּ (H922)Predicate complement (second of pair)בֹהוּ (H922) 'emptiness, void'; only in fixed phrase with תֹהוּ (also Isa 34:11; Jer 4:23).
וְחֹ֖שֶׁךְand darknessconj וְ + N m sg abs · חֹשֶׁךְ (H2822)Subject of new background clauseחֹשֶׁךְ (H2822) 'darkness'; cosmic absence of light, contrasted by the light summoned in v.3.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prep (darkness over the deep)עַל (H5921) 'over, upon, above'; locative governing פְּנֵי תְהוֹם, the surface of the deep.
פְּנֵ֣יthe face ofN (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct head (surface of deep)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, surface'; construct with תְהוֹם — the surface of the primordial abyss.
תְה֑וֹםthe deepN (c) sg abs · תְהוֹם (H8415)Genitive of פְּנֵי (the abyss)תְהוֹם (H8415) 'deep, primordial abyss'; anarthrous, quasi-proper name; cognate with Akkadian Tiamat.
וְר֣וּחַand the Spirit ofconj וְ + N (c) sg constr · רוּחַ (H7307)Subject of third background clauseרוּחַ (H7307) 'spirit, wind, breath'; construct with אֱלֹהִים — Spirit of God or mighty wind.
אֱלֹהִ֔יםof GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive of רוּחַ (divine possession)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; genitive defining the Spirit or wind as divine in origin and character.
מְרַחֶ֖פֶתhoveringPiel ptc f sg abs · רָחַף (H7363)Predicate participle (continuous background action)→ Participle: continuous, sustained hovering over the watersרָחַף (H7363) 'to hover, flutter'; Piel intensive; of a bird brooding over its nest (Deut 32:11).
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prep (modifying מְרַחֶפֶת)עַל (H5921) 'over, upon'; governs פְּנֵי הַמָּיִם, parallel to עַל פְּנֵי תְהוֹם above.
פְּנֵ֥יthe face ofN (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct head (surface of waters)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, surface'; construct with הַמָּיִם — the surface of the primordial waters.
הַמָּֽיִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Genitive of פְּנֵי (the waters)מַיִם (H4325) 'water, waters'; always plural; the primordial waters over which the divine Spirit hovers.
3

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֖ים יְהִ֣י א֑וֹר וַֽיְהִי אֽוֹר

And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light.

Narrative advance: first creative fiatוַיֹּאמֶר
This verse begins the repeated creation pattern of the chapter: divine speech, immediate fulfillment, later evaluation, and often naming. The brevity is itself part of the rhetoric; light comes into being simply because God speaks.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say, speak'; introduces the divine fiat that begins each creation day.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; sole creative agent; resumes from v.1 as the divine speaker.
יְהִ֣יlet there beQal jussive 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Jussive: divine fiat (speech content)→ Volitional: jussive expressing divine creative commandהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, exist, come into being'; jussive voices the fiat lux command.
א֑וֹרlightN (c) sg abs · אוֹר (H216)Subject of יְהִי (existential clause)אוֹר (H216) 'light'; first entity called into being; distinct from luminaries created on day 4.
וַֽיְהִיand there wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol: fulfillment of divine fiat→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance (instant fulfillment)הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, come to pass'; records immediate fulfillment, echoing יְהִי in terse form.
אֽוֹרlightN (c) sg abs · אוֹר (H216)Subject of וַיְהִי (fulfillment clause)אוֹר (H216) 'light'; verbatim repetition of the commanded element confirms complete fulfillment.
4

וַיַּ֧רְא אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶת הָא֖וֹר כִּי ט֑וֹב וַיַּבְדֵּ֣ל אֱלֹהִ֔ים בֵּ֥ין הָא֖וֹר וּבֵ֥ין הַחֹֽשֶׁךְ

And God saw the light, that it was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.

Narrative development: evaluation followed by separationSequential waw (wayyiqtol chain)
The verse advances the day-one sequence in two coordinated wayyiqtol clauses. First comes the divine evaluation of the light by the predication כִּי טוֹב; then comes the ordering act that distinguishes light from darkness. Creation is not only brought into being but arranged by acts of separation.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיַּ֧רְאand he sawWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see, observe'; God's inspection is evaluative, not merely visual.
אֱלֹהִ֛יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיַּרְאאֱלֹהִים (H430) plural form; singular referent; Israel's God, fullness of deity.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks a definite direct object; untranslated.
הָא֖וֹרthe lightart + N (c) sg abs · אוֹר (H216)Direct object of וַיַּרְאאוֹר (H216) 'light'; created in v.3; here subject of God's evaluative inspection.
כִּיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer introducing content clauseכִּי (H3588) recitative 'that'-clause after a verb of perception; introduces content.
ט֑וֹבgoodAdj m sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Predicate adjective (content clause)טוֹב (H2896) 'good, fitting, beautiful'; the standard divine verdict on each created element.
וַיַּבְדֵּ֣לand he separatedWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms · בָּדַל (H914)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּדַל (H914) 'to divide, separate'; Hiphil causative; same root for sacred/profane distinctions.
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיַּבְדֵּלאֱלֹהִים (H430); repeated subject emphasizes God's direct agency in the ordering act.
בֵּ֥יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Preposition (first term of separation)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; governs first separation term; paired with וּבֵין for X-and-Y.
הָא֖וֹרthe lightart + N (c) sg abs · אוֹר (H216)First term of the separationאוֹר (H216) 'light'; first of two separated domains; previously evaluated as good.
וּבֵ֥יןand betweenconj וְ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Conj + prep (second separation term)וּבֵין completes the בֵּין…וּבֵין idiom; standard Hebrew for 'between X and Y'.
הַחֹֽשֶׁךְthe darknessart + N m sg abs · חֹשֶׁךְ (H2822)Second term of the separationחֹשֶׁךְ (H2822) 'darkness'; separated but not condemned; assigned its own distinct domain.
5

וַיִּקְרָ֨א אֱלֹהִ֤ים לָאוֹר֙ י֔וֹם וְלַחֹ֖שֶׁךְ קָ֣רָא לָ֑יְלָה וַֽיְהִי עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי בֹ֖קֶר י֥וֹם אֶחָֽד

And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night; and there was evening and there was morning, one day.

Narrative development: naming followed by day-closureSequential waw with closing formula
The verse completes day one by naming the separated realms and then sounding the first evening-morning cadence. The naming clauses assign ordered temporal identities to light and darkness, and the closing formula uses the cardinal אֶחָד ('one') rather than the expected ordinal 'first,' a long-noted feature of the Hebrew wording.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּקְרָ֨אand he calledWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; naming enacts divine authority over created entities.
אֱלֹהִ֤יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיִּקְרָאאֱלֹהִים (H430); the divine namer whose speech-acts constitute the created order.
לָאוֹר֙to the lightprep לְ + art + N (c) sg abs · אוֹר (H216)Indirect object (named entity)אוֹר (H216) 'light'; indirect object of naming; here receives its temporal identity.
י֔וֹםDayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Predicate name / double accusativeיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the name assigned to light; first temporal category in creation.
וְלַחֹ֖שֶׁךְand to the darknessconj וְ + prep לְ + art + N m sg abs · חֹשֶׁךְ (H2822)Conjoined indirect object (second named entity)חֹשֶׁךְ (H2822) 'darkness'; second entity named; receives its temporal identity as Night.
קָ֣רָאhe calledQal perf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (second naming clause)→ Perfective: completed naming actקָרָא (H7121) 'to name'; qatal resumes after the fronted indirect object; naming act.
לָ֑יְלָהNightN m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Predicate name / double accusativeלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; name assigned to darkness; counterpart to יוֹם; anchors temporal binary.
וַֽיְהִיand there wasWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol: evening-morning formula→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; existential verb in the evening-morning day-closing formula.
עֶ֥רֶבeveningN m sg abs · עֶרֶב (H6153)Subject of וַיְהִי (first)עֶרֶב (H6153) 'evening'; first element of day-closure formula; Hebrew day begins at evening.
וַֽיְהִיand there wasWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol: evening-morning formula (second)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961); second occurrence in the paired formula; parallels the first evening-marking instance.
בֹ֖קֶרmorningN m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Subject of וַיְהִי (second)בֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'; paired with עֶרֶב; together they close the creation day.
י֥וֹםdayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Head noun of day-count expressionיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; head noun of day-count; echoes the name given to light.
אֶחָֽדoneCardinal numeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeral (day one)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; cardinal not ordinal; distinctive MT usage for day one.
6

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֔ים יְהִ֥י רָקִ֖יעַ בְּת֣וֹךְ הַמָּ֑יִם וִיהִ֣י מַבְדִּ֔יל בֵּ֥ין מַ֖יִם לָמָֽיִם

And God said, 'Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it be separating between waters and waters.'

Narrative sequence: second divine speech act (day two)וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים
Day two opens with the same divine speech formula found in vv.3 and 9. The verse contains two coordinated volitives: יְהִי introduces the appearance of the רָקִיעַ, and וִיהִי plus the participle מַבְדִּיל assigns its continuing function as separator. Unlike the LXX, which already closes v.6 with a fulfillment formula, the MT leaves the execution of the command to v.7.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol: divine speech formula→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; recurring creation-speech formula; each divine word creates.
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֱלֹהִים (H430); recurring subject of every creative fiat in the chapter.
יְהִ֥יlet there beQal jussive 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Jussive: divine creative fiat→ Volitional: jussive expressing creative divine willהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; jussive: divine creative fiat commanding the expanse into being.
רָקִ֖יעַan expanseN m sg abs · רָקִיעַ (H7549)Subject of יְהִי (new creation)רָקִיעַ (H7549) 'expanse, firmament'; from רָקַע 'to beat out'; vault between cosmic waters.
בְּת֣וֹךְin the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phraseתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; בְּתוֹךְ standard locative; spatially locates the expanse within the waters.
הַמָּ֑יִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Object of בְּתוֹךְ (construct complement)מַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; the primordial waters of v.2; the expanse divides them vertically.
וִיהִ֣יand let it beconj וְ + Qal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Waw-impf extending the volitive→ Volitional: waw-impf continuing creative commandהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; waw-impf continuing the volitive, assigning the expanse its function.
מַבְדִּ֔ילseparatingHiphil ptc m sg abs · בָּדַל (H914)Predicate participle (expanse's function)→ Participle: durative ongoing separationבָּדַל (H914) 'to separate'; Hiphil ptc; the expanse's permanent function as cosmic divider.
בֵּ֥יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Preposition (first water separation term)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; marks first waters term; second term marked with לְ (unusual).
מַ֖יִםwatersN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)First term of the separationמַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; first separation term; the waters below the expanse (v.7 specifies).
לָמָֽיִםto watersprep לְ + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Second term of separation (prep לְ)מַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; second term; waters above the expanse; לְ replaces expected וּבֵין.
7

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ אֱלֹהִים֮ אֶת הָרָקִיעַ֒ וַיַּבְדֵּ֗ל בֵּ֤ין הַמַּ֨יִם֙ אֲשֶׁר֙ מִתַּ֣חַת לָרָקִ֔יעַ וּבֵ֣ין הַמַּ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֖ר מֵעַ֣ל לָרָקִ֑יעַ וַֽיְהִי כֵֽן

And God made the expanse, and he separated between the waters that were beneath the expanse and the waters that were above the expanse; and it was so.

Narrative sequence: execution of the day-two commandוַיַּעַשׂ
This verse narrates the fulfillment of the command from v.6. The previously general phrase 'between waters and waters' is now unpacked into two defined realms: the waters beneath the expanse and the waters above it. The MT places the fulfillment formula וַיְהִי כֵן here at the end of the execution report, whereas the LXX has already attached its equivalent to v.6.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂand he madeQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol predicate (fulfillment of v.6)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do'; the execution verb — God fulfills v.6's command by making the expanse.
אֱלֹהִים֮GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂאֱלֹהִים (H430); divine executor who carries out his own spoken command without delay or intermediary.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks הָרָקִיעַ as definite direct object — untranslated in English.
הָרָקִיעַ֒the expanseart + N m sg abs · רָקִיעַ (H7549)Direct object of וַיַּעַשׂרָקִיעַ (H7549) 'expanse'; definite — the specific vault of v.6's command, now the object of God's making.
וַיַּבְדֵּ֗לand he separatedHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּדַל (H914)Wayyiqtol predicate (second action)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּדַל (H914) 'to separate'; Hiphil wayyiqtol — the same ordering act as v.4's separation of light and darkness.
בֵּ֤יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Preposition governing first water-setבֵּין (H996) 'between'; now specifies the two water-masses with relative clauses — below and above the expanse.
הַמַּ֨יִם֙the watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)First term of separation (waters below)מַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; now with article — the definite lower water-mass identified by the following relative clause.
אֲשֶׁר֙whichrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, that'; general Hebrew relative particle; introduces the clause locating the lower waters.
מִתַּ֣חַתbelowprep מִן + prep · תַּחַת (H8478)Locative prepositional phrase (position)תַּחַת (H8478) 'beneath, below'; with מִן = 'from below'; marks the lower waters as beneath the expanse.
לָרָקִ֔יעַthe expanseprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · רָקִיעַ (H7549)Object of מִתַּחַת (locative reference)רָקִיעַ (H7549) 'expanse'; with prep לְ, the reference point for locating the lower waters beneath it.
וּבֵ֣יןand betweenconj וְ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Coordinating prep (second pole of separation)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; with conjunctive וְ introduces the second water-mass — the upper waters above the expanse.
הַמַּ֔יִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Second term of separation (waters above)מַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; the upper water-mass, defined by the following relative clause as above the expanse.
אֲשֶׁ֖רwhichrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (upper waters clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which'; relative particle introducing the clause locating the upper waters above the expanse.
מֵעַ֣לaboveprep מִן + prep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase (above expanse)עַל (H5921) 'upon, above'; with מִן = 'from above'; marks the upper waters as above the expanse.
לָרָקִ֑יעַthe expanseprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · רָקִיעַ (H7549)Object of מֵעַל (locative reference)רָקִיעַ (H7549) 'expanse'; the reference point for the upper waters — they rest above this beaten-out vault.
וַֽיְהִיand it wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol predicate (fulfillment formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the fulfillment formula וַיְהִי כֵן signals the divine command has been exactly realized.
כֵֽןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Fulfillment particle (predicate of וַיְהִי)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; with וַיְהִי forms the fulfillment refrain of Gen 1 — perfect correspondence of word and deed.
8

וַיִּקְרָ֧א אֱלֹהִ֛ים לָֽרָקִ֖יעַ שָׁמָ֑יִם וַֽיְהִי עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי בֹ֖קֶר י֥וֹם שֵׁנִֽי

And God called the expanse Heavens. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.

Narrative sequence: naming and day-close for day twoוַיִּקְרָא
The verse first names the רָקִיעַ as שָׁמָיִם, identifying the ordered sky-heavens as the upper realm established on day two. It then closes the day with the standard evening-morning refrain. Unlike the LXX, the MT does not include an explicit 'and God saw that it was good' for day two, making this one of the notable MT-LXX divergences in Genesis 1.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיִּקְרָ֧אand he calledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol predicate (naming act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; God names the רָקִיעַ, conferring its identity as the cosmic heavens.
אֱלֹהִ֛יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיִּקְרָאאֱלֹהִים (H430); the divine namer — naming is an act of dominion and ordering in the creation account.
לָֽרָקִ֖יעַto the expanseprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · רָקִיעַ (H7549)Indirect object (entity being named)רָקִיעַ (H7549) 'expanse'; with prep לְ marks the entity receiving the divine name שָׁמַיִם.
שָׁמָ֑יִםHeavensN m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Predicate name (double accusative)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; the name given to the רָקִיעַ — the ordered vault identified with the cosmic heavens.
וַֽיְהִיand there wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol (evening-morning formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; evening-morning formula begins — marks the close of day two's creation account.
עֶ֥רֶבeveningN m sg abs · עֶרֶב (H6153)Subject of וַיְהִי (day-close formula)עֶרֶב (H6153) 'evening'; the Hebrew day begins at sunset; standard opening of the day-close formula.
וַֽיְהִיand there wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol (second arm of formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; second arm of the day-close formula — introduces morning and closes day two.
בֹ֖קֶרmorningN m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Subject of second וַיְהִיבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning, daybreak'; paired with עֶרֶב in the standard creation-day closing formula.
י֥וֹםdayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Resumptive subject (day-number phrase)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the day-count noun — here the second day receives an ordinal, unlike day one.
שֵׁנִֽיsecondOrd adj m sg abs · שֵׁנִי (H8145)Ordinal modifier of יוֹםשֵׁנִי (H8145) 'second'; ordinal from שָׁנָה; first ordinal in the chapter — day one used cardinal אֶחָד.
9

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים יִקָּו֨וּ הַמַּ֜יִם מִתַּ֤חַת הַשָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ אֶל מָק֣וֹם אֶחָ֔ד וְתֵרָאֶ֖ה הַיַּבָּשָׁ֑ה וַֽיְהִי כֵֽן

And God said, 'Let the waters under the heavens be gathered to one place, and let the dry land appear'; and it was so.

Narrative sequence: day-three command and fulfillmentוַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים
Day three opens with another divine speech formula, but now the command contains a double movement: the lower waters are to be gathered, and as a result the dry land is to appear. The verse closes immediately with the fulfillment formula, preparing for the naming and evaluative verdict of verse 10.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say, speak'; the recurring divine speech formula that drives each day's fiat into being.
אֱלֹהִ֗יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֱלֹהִים (H430), plural form functioning as singular for Israel's God; plural of majesty; sole speaker of every creation fiat.
יִקָּו֨וּlet be gatheredNiphal juss 3mp · קָוָה (H6960)Volitive jussive: primary command→ Volitional: divine decree for cosmic orderingקָוָה (H6960) 'to wait; gather'; Niphal 'to be collected'; used only here of waters; the gathering creates sea-basins and exposes land.
הַמַּ֜יִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of jussive יִקָּווּמַיִם (H4325) 'water, waters'; the lower waters from v.2 now given their ordered destination; definite article marks them as known referents.
מִתַּ֤חַתfrom underprep מִן + prep · תַּחַת (H8478)Locative prepositional phraseתַּחַת (H8478) 'beneath, below'; with מִן: 'from under'; specifies these are the lower waters separated from the upper by the day-two expanse.
הַשָּׁמַ֨יִם֙the heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Object of מִתַּחַת (spatial reference)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; the expanse named on day two; serves here as upper spatial marker delimiting which waters are gathered.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward, into'; marks purposive direction of the gathering to a single defined destination.
מָק֣וֹםplaceN m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of אֶל (destination)מָקוֹם (H4725) 'place, location'; from קוּם 'to stand'; the gathering-place of the waters becomes what v.10 names יַמִּים.
אֶחָ֔דoneAdj m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive adjective modifying מָקוֹםאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; cardinal stressing unity of collected waters into a single domain even if multiple sea-basins exist geographically.
וְתֵרָאֶ֖הlet appearNiphal impf 3fs (jussive) · רָאָה (H7200)Coordinate volitive: resultant command→ Volitional: passive appearance as result of gatheringרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Niphal 'to be seen, appear'; dry land does not act — it simply becomes visible as waters withdraw.
הַיַּבָּשָׁ֑הthe dry landart + N f sg abs · יַבָּשָׁה (H3004)Subject of Niphal וְתֵרָאֶהיַבָּשָׁה (H3004) 'dry ground'; from יָבֵשׁ 'to be dry'; first occurrence; the element revealed by receding waters; named אֶרֶץ in v.10.
וַֽיְהִיand it wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Fulfillment formula (wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, come to pass'; in וַיְהִי כֵן marks instant, total fulfillment of the divine command without remainder.
כֵֽןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Predicate adverb of fulfillmentכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus, in this way'; with וַיְהִי constitutes the standard Gen 1 fulfillment formula — reality conforms exactly to divine speech.
10

וַיִּקְרָ֨א אֱלֹהִ֤ים לַיַּבָּשָׁה֙ אֶ֔רֶץ וּלְמִקְוֵ֥ה הַמַּ֖יִם קָרָ֣א יַמִּ֑ים וַיַּ֥רְא אֱלֹהִ֖ים כִּי טֽוֹב

And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering of the waters he called Seas; and God saw that it was good.

Narrative sequence: naming and evaluationוַיִּקְרָא
The first act of day three is completed by naming both the newly visible dry land and the collected waters. The verse then ends with the divine verdict of goodness, marking the completion of this first day-three movement before vegetation is commanded in verse 11.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּקְרָ֨אand he calledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name, summon'; divine naming here is an act of sovereign classification; to name is to define within creation's order.
אֱלֹהִ֤יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיִּקְרָאאֱלֹהִים (H430); the divine namer of newly ordered elements; in ANE context naming confers identity and defines ongoing function.
לַיַּבָּשָׁה֙the dry landprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · יַבָּשָׁה (H3004)Indirect object (entity being named)יַבָּשָׁה (H3004) 'dry ground'; introduced in v.9; now receives the name אֶרֶץ, its permanent designation in the Hebrew cosmos.
אֶ֔רֶץEarthN (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Assigned name (predicate of naming)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; used earlier (v.1) for the whole cosmos; now narrowed to the dry terrestrial domain by divine naming.
וּלְמִקְוֵ֥הand to the gatheringconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg constr · מִקְוֶה (H4723)Coordinate indirect object (entity being named)מִקְוֶה (H4723) 'collection, reservoir'; from קָוָה; rare term (Gen 1:10; Lev 11:36; 1 Kgs 10:28); the waters as a bounded, collected body.
הַמַּ֖יִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Genitive of מִקְוֵה (what is gathered)מַיִם (H4325) 'water, waters'; genitive specifying the content of the collection; the gathered waters constitute the seas collectively.
קָרָ֣אhe calledQal perf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (object-fronted clause)→ Perfective: completed act of namingקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; perfective with fronted object (וּלְמִקְוֵה…קָרָא) places emphasis on what is named before the naming act.
יַמִּ֑יםSeasN m pl abs · יָם (H3220)Assigned name (predicate of naming)יָם (H3220) 'sea, body of water'; plural יַמִּים encompasses all gathered waters; the realm of the great sea creatures of v.21.
וַיַּ֥רְאand he sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; divine evaluation formula; God's perception is judicial and aesthetic — an authoritative verdict on creation's ordered state.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיַּרְאאֱלֹהִים (H430); the evaluating deity; day three receives two good verdicts (vv.10, 12), uniquely honoring its double creative output.
כִּיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer (introduces content clause)כִּי (H3588) 'that, because, for'; here a content-clause complementizer after a perception verb: God saw that [it was good].
טֽוֹבgoodAdj m sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Predicate adjective (divine verdict)טוֹב (H2896) 'good, beautiful, fitting'; applied six times in Gen 1; signifies that creation conforms to divine intention — functional and aesthetic.
11

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים תַּֽדְשֵׁ֤א הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ דֶּ֔שֶׁא עֵ֚שֶׂב מַזְרִ֣יעַ זֶ֔רַע עֵ֣ץ פְּרִ֞י עֹ֤שֶׂה פְּרִי֙ לְמִינ֔וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר זַרְעוֹ ב֖וֹ עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ וַֽיְהִי כֵֽן

And God said, 'Let the earth sprout vegetation: seed-bearing plants and fruit trees bearing fruit according to their kind, whose seed is in them, upon the earth.' And it was so.

Narrative sequence: second divine speech act of day threeוַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים
This is the second fiat within day three. After the first speech gathered the waters and exposed dry land, the newly named earth is now commanded to become fertile and productive. The wording moves from general vegetation to seed-bearing plants and fruit trees, stressing ordered reproduction and continuity through the repeated emphasis on seed and kind.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the second divine fiat of day three — the vegetation command; day three is uniquely double-structured.
אֱלֹהִ֗יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֱלֹהִים (H430); commands the earth to produce; the earth's proximate role in v.12 makes vegetation the first mediated creation act.
תַּֽדְשֵׁ֤אlet it sproutHiphil juss 3fs · דָּשָׁא (H1876)Volitive jussive: vegetation command→ Volitional: divine summons for earth to produceדָּשָׁא (H1876) 'to sprout, bring forth herbage'; Hiphil causative; rare — only Gen 1:11 and Joel 2:22; vivid of organic bursting-forth.
הָאָ֨רֶץ֙the earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject of jussive תַּדְשֵׁאאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; just named in v.10; now addressed as the agent of vegetation production through divine delegation.
דֶּ֔שֶׁאvegetationN m sg abs · דֶּשֶׁא (H1877)Cognate accusative (direct object of command)דֶּשֶׁא (H1877) 'vegetation, green herbage'; cognate noun to תַּדְשֵׁא; collective term for plant life, then unpacked into two specific categories.
עֵ֚שֶׂבplantsN m sg abs · עֵשֶׂב (H6212)Appositive (first category of vegetation)עֵשֶׂב (H6212) 'herb, grass, plant'; general term for herbaceous vegetation; its defining trait is seed-bearing rather than visible fruit.
מַזְרִ֣יעַseed-bearingHiphil ptc m sg abs · זָרַע (H2232)Attributive participle modifying עֵשֶׂב→ Participle: ongoing inherent capacity to produce seedזָרַע (H2232) 'to sow, scatter seed'; Hiphil ptc 'producing seed'; characterizes the plant by its reproductive mechanism.
זֶ֔רַעseedN m sg abs · זֶרַע (H2233)Direct object of מַזְרִיעַזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring'; botanical and genealogical term; the means of kind-bounded reproduction; key word in vv.11-12.
עֵ֣ץa fruit treeN m sg constr · עֵץ (H6086)Appositive (second category of vegetation)עֵץ (H6086) 'tree, wood, timber'; construct with פְּרִי 'tree of fruit'; second botanical category, distinguished by visible and edible yield.
פְּרִ֞יfruitN m sg abs · פְּרִי (H6529)Construct genitive (defines tree type)פְּרִי (H6529) 'fruit'; from פָּרָה 'to be fruitful'; characterizes the second tree category and reappears in v.29 as human food.
עֹ֤שֶׂהbearing fruitQal ptc m sg abs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Attributive participle modifying עֵץ פְּרִי→ Participle: ongoing productive characteristicעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make, produce'; Qal ptc 'producing'; the tree is defined by its characteristic and continuous fruit-making.
פְּרִי֙fruitN m sg abs · פְּרִי (H6529)Direct object of עֹשֶׂהפְּרִי (H6529) 'fruit'; second occurrence in the verse; the tree both belongs to the 'fruit tree' category and actively produces — doubly fruitful.
לְמִינ֔וֹaccording to its kindprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suff · מִין (H4327)Adverbial phrase (bounds reproduction by kind)מִין (H4327) 'kind, species'; central taxonomic term of Gen 1, appearing 10×; 3ms suffix refers to the tree's own category — like begets like.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhoserel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, whose, that'; the general Hebrew relative pronoun; introduces the identifying clause about seed enclosed in fruit.
זַרְעוֹits seedN m sg constr + 3ms suff · זֶרַע (H2233)Subject of relative clauseזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed'; with 3ms suffix referring to the tree; seed within the fruit perpetuates the kind — self-identity built into the design.
ב֖וֹin itprep בְּ + 3ms suff · בְּLocative predicate of relative clauseבְּ preposition 'in, within' + 3ms suffix 'in it'; the enclosed-seed principle ensures reproductive continuity within the kind.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase (spatial scope)עַל (H5921) 'upon, over, on'; completes the command's scope — vegetation is to cover the whole face of the earth.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of עַל (spatial scope of command)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the whole terrestrial surface is to be clothed with vegetation; echoes the naming in v.10.
וַֽיְהִיand it wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Fulfillment formula (wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, come to pass'; opens the fulfillment formula וַיְהִי כֵן; God's speech produces immediate and total effect.
כֵֽןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Predicate adverb of fulfillmentכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; invariable second element of the fulfillment formula; the command became deed without remainder.
12

וַתּוֹצֵ֨א הָאָ֜רֶץ דֶּ֠שֶׁא עֵ֣שֶׂב מַזְרִ֤יעַ זֶ֨רַע֙ לְמִינֵ֔הוּ וְעֵ֧ץ עֹֽשֶׂה פְּרִ֛י אֲשֶׁ֥ר זַרְעוֹ ב֖וֹ לְמִינֵ֑הוּ וַיַּ֥רְא אֱלֹהִ֖ים כִּי טֽוֹב

And the earth brought forth vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kind, and trees bearing fruit, whose seed was in them, according to their kind; and God saw that it was good.

Narrative sequence: fulfillment and evaluation of the vegetation commandוַתּוֹצֵא
The verse reports the earth's direct fulfillment of the fiat from v.11 and then appends the divine evaluation. The repeated 'according to its kind' underscores that fruitfulness is ordered, bounded, and reproducible rather than chaotic. With this verdict, day three receives a second explicit 'good' after the first in v.10.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַתּוֹצֵ֨אand it brought forthHiphil wayyiqtol 3fs · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Hiphil 'to bring out, cause to come forth'; the earth as active agent; mediated creation through the creature.
הָאָ֜רֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject of wayyiqtol וַתּוֹצֵאאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; obeys its command and becomes the vegetative producer; creation by delegation from creator to creature.
דֶּ֠שֶׁאvegetationN m sg abs · דֶּשֶׁא (H1877)Direct object (general vegetation category)דֶּשֶׁא (H1877) 'vegetation, green herbage'; collective term repeated from v.11; the fulfillment mirrors the command in vocabulary and structure.
עֵ֣שֶׂבplantsN m sg abs · עֵשֶׂב (H6212)Appositive (first category: herbaceous plants)עֵשֶׂב (H6212) 'herb, plant, grass'; the first vegetation category from v.11 now appearing in reality exactly as commanded.
מַזְרִ֤יעַseed-bearingHiphil ptc m sg abs · זָרַע (H2232)Attributive participle modifying עֵשֶׂב→ Participle: characterizing inherent seed capacityזָרַע (H2232) 'to sow, produce seed'; Hiphil ptc 'seed-producing'; the trait commanded in v.11 now realized in actual vegetation.
זֶ֨רַע֙seedN m sg abs · זֶרַע (H2233)Direct object of מַזְרִיעַזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed'; the functional term of reproductive continuity; fulfillment repeats the command's vocabulary verbatim.
לְמִינֵ֔הוּaccording to its kindprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suff · מִין (H4327)Adverbial phrase (kind-limit on plant reproduction)מִין (H4327) 'kind, species'; the kind-boundary of plants is maintained in fulfillment just as commanded; suffix refers to the plant's own category.
וְעֵ֧ץand treesconj וְ + N m sg abs · עֵץ (H6086)Coordinate object (second vegetation category)עֵץ (H6086) 'tree, wood'; coordinative waw introduces the second fulfillment category; parallels v.11's second commanded element.
עֹֽשֶׂהbearing fruitQal ptc m sg abs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Attributive participle modifying עֵץ→ Participle: characterizing ongoing productivityעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make, produce'; Qal ptc; the tree's defining characteristic of fruit-production realized in fulfillment.
פְּרִ֛יfruitN m sg abs · פְּרִי (H6529)Direct object of עֹשֶׂהפְּרִי (H6529) 'fruit'; the visible product of the fruit tree; the command and fulfillment share identical vocabulary, ensuring total correspondence.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhoserel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, whose, that'; introduces the seed-within-fruit clause; the same relative structure as v.11 is reproduced in fulfillment.
זַרְעוֹits seedN m sg constr + 3ms suff · זֶרַע (H2233)Subject of relative clauseזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed'; with 3ms suffix referring to the tree; seed within the fruit as the marker of reproductive identity within kind boundaries.
ב֖וֹin itprep בְּ + 3ms suff · בְּLocative predicate of relative clauseבְּ preposition 'in' + 3ms suffix 'in it'; the enclosed-seed design is repeated verbatim from v.11 — fulfillment echoes command exactly.
לְמִינֵ֑הוּaccording to its kindprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suff · מִין (H4327)Adverbial phrase (kind-limit for trees)מִין (H4327) 'kind, species'; a second kind-phrase specifically for trees; the double mention of kind in v.12 reinforces taxonomic order in fulfillment.
וַיַּ֥רְאand he sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the divine evaluation formula; this is the second good verdict of day three, making it the most evaluated day.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיַּרְאאֱלֹהִים (H430); evaluates the vegetation's fulfillment; the second כִּי טוֹב of day three reflects its two discrete creative acts.
כִּיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer (content clause after perception verb)כִּי (H3588) 'that, because'; content complementizer after רָאָה; the content of God's perception is the goodness of the vegetation produced.
טֽוֹבgoodAdj m sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Predicate adjective (divine verdict)טוֹב (H2896) 'good, beautiful, fitting'; the evaluation term; vegetation as the first organic life in creation earns this verdict doubly on day three.
13

וַֽיְהִי עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי בֹ֖קֶר י֥וֹם שְׁלִישִֽׁי

And there was evening and there was morning, a third day.

Narrative closure: day three concludedוַיְהִי
The familiar evening-morning refrain closes the third day after its double work: first the gathering of the waters and appearance of dry land, then the sprouting of vegetation. With its second explicit good verdict already given in v.12, the cadence here seals the most densely structured day so far.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַֽיְהִיand there wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol: day-closing formula (evening)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, come to pass'; in the evening-morning formula the wayyiqtol carries the rhythmic cadence that closes each creation day.
עֶ֥רֶבeveningN m sg abs · עֶרֶב (H6153)Subject of first וַיְהִי (day-close formula)עֶרֶב (H6153) 'evening, dusk'; perhaps from עָרַב 'to darken, mingle'; first element of the closing refrain that opens the reckoning of each new day.
וַֽיְהִיand there wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol: day-closing formula (morning)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, come to pass'; second occurrence completing the paired refrain; together with evening it marks one full creation day.
בֹ֖קֶרmorningN m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Subject of second וַיְהִי (day-close formula)בֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning, dawn'; from בָּקַר 'to break through'; second element of the closing formula; paired with evening it marks diurnal completion.
י֥וֹםdayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Predicate noun (day enumeration)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; in the closing formula יוֹם + ordinal numbers the completed creation day; the same structure closes each of the six days.
שְׁלִישִֽׁיthirdAdj (ordinal) m sg abs · שְׁלִישִׁי (H7992)Attributive ordinal (numbers the completed day)שְׁלִישִׁי (H7992) 'third'; ordinal from שָׁלוֹשׁ 'three'; day three is uniquely double — two fiats and two good verdicts, the most productive day so far.
14

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים יְהִ֤י מְאֹרֹת֙ בִּרְקִ֣יעַ הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם לְהַבְדִּ֕יל בֵּ֥ין הַיּ֖וֹם וּבֵ֣ין הַלָּ֑יְלָה וְהָי֤וּ לְאֹתֹת֙ וּלְמ֣וֹעֲדִ֔ים וּלְיָמִ֖ים וְשָׁנִֽים

And God said, 'Let there be luminaries in the expanse of the heavens to separate between the day and between the night, and let them be for signs and for appointed times and for days and years.'

Narrative sequence: day-four commandוַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים
Day four answers day one by assigning enduring heavenly bearers to the light-dark order already established. The verse begins with the standard divine speech formula, then lays out the luminaries' purposes: separation, calendrical signification, and the ordering of recurring times. The wording is notably functional; the heavenly bodies are introduced as luminaries rather than by the familiar names sun and moon.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidWayyiqtol Qal 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; recurrent divine-speech verb opening each creative fiat.
אֱלֹהִ֗יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֱלֹהִים (H430), plural form, singular referent; creator-God who speaks creation into being.
יְהִ֤יlet there beQal jussive 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Jussive predicate (fiat clause)→ Volitional jussive: divine fiat summoning existenceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; jussive as creative fiat — God's word summons existence.
מְאֹרֹת֙luminariesN m pl abs · מָאוֹר (H3974)Subject of יְהִי (fiat)מָאוֹר (H3974) 'luminary, light-bearer', from אוֹר 'light'; avoids naming sun and moon.
בִּרְקִ֣יעַin the expanseprep בְּ + N m sg cst · רָקִיעַ (H7549)Locative prepositional phraseרָקִיעַ (H7549) 'expanse, vault', from רָקַע 'beat flat'; day-two dome now seating the luminaries.
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִםof the heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Construct chain (genitival)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens'; upper realm named day two; specifies which expanse holds the lights.
לְהַבְדִּ֕ילto separateprep לְ + Hiphil inf cst · בָּדַל (H914)Purpose infinitive clause→ Infinitive of purpose: ongoing separating functionבָּדַל (H914) 'to separate'; Hiphil inf; same root as day-one and day-two separation acts.
בֵּ֥יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Preposition (first term, binary pair)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; pairs with second וּבֵין to delimit the day-night binary.
הַיּ֖וֹםthe dayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Object of בֵּין (day-night pair)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; daylight half of the diurnal cycle; first member of day-night binary.
וּבֵ֣יןand betweenconj וְ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Conjunction + preposition (second term)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; correlative pair בֵּין … וּבֵין marks an exhaustive binary distinction.
הַלָּ֑יְלָהthe nightart + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Object of וּבֵין (day-night pair)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; dark half of the day-night cycle; governed by the lesser luminary.
וְהָי֤וּand let them beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal (continuing volitive command)→ Weqatal: volitional continuation of fiatהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; weqatal continues the fiat: lights are to function as listed.
לְאֹתֹת֙for signsprep לְ + N c pl abs · אוֹת (H226)Predicate complement (first function)אוֹת (H226) 'sign, signal'; luminaries mark divinely appointed moments in the calendar.
וּלְמ֣וֹעֲדִ֔יםand for appointed timesconj וְ + prep לְ + N m pl abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Predicate complement (second function)מוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time, festival', from יָעַד 'appoint'; sacral seasons grounded in celestial movements.
וּלְיָמִ֖יםand for daysconj וְ + prep לְ + N m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Predicate complement (third function)יוֹם (H3117) 'day', pl 'days'; luminaries regulate the daily cycle in addition to seasons.
וְשָׁנִֽיםand yearsconj וְ + N f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Predicate complement (fourth function)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; sun's annual circuit; list moves from qualitative signs to chronological spans.
15

וְהָי֤וּ לִמְאוֹרֹת֙ בִּרְקִ֣יעַ הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם לְהָאִ֖יר עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ וַֽיְהִי כֵֽן

And let them be for luminaries in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth; and it was so.

Continuation and fulfillment of the day-four commandוְהָיוּ
Verse 15 continues the command of v.14 rather than beginning an entirely separate speech. After restating that the lights are to function as luminaries in the heavenly expanse, it adds their earthward purpose, 'to give light upon the earth,' and closes with the fulfillment formula וַיְהִי כֵן.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְהָי֤וּand let them beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal (continuing volitive command)→ Weqatal: volitional continuation of purposeהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, serve'; weqatal continuing purpose — lights function as luminaries for earth.
לִמְאוֹרֹת֙for luminariesprep לְ + N m pl abs · מָאוֹר (H3974)Predicate complement (luminaries)מָאוֹר (H3974) 'luminary'; lights exist to be light-sources serving the earth below.
בִּרְקִ֣יעַin the expanseprep בְּ + N m sg cst · רָקִיעַ (H7549)Locative prepositional phraseרָקִיעַ (H7549) 'expanse, vault'; repeated from v.14 — the luminaries' proper created domain.
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִםof the heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Construct chain (genitival)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens'; phrase 'expanse of the heavens' (vv.14–15) emphasizes luminaries' realm.
לְהָאִ֖ירto give lightprep לְ + Hiphil inf cst · אוֹר (H215)Purpose infinitive clause→ Infinitive of purpose: earthward illuminating functionאוֹר (H215) 'to shine, illuminate'; Hiphil inf — luminaries' primary earthward purpose.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition (directional, toward earth)עַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; marks the earth as downward target of luminary light.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of עַלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the lower realm; luminaries are ordered toward the inhabited world.
וַֽיְהִיand it wasWayyiqtol Qal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol (fulfillment formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative (fulfillment)הָיָה (H1961) in the fulfillment formula וַיְהִי כֵן; command achieves exact correspondence in reality.
כֵֽןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb (fulfillment affirmation)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; fulfillment marker of Gen 1 — command and reality perfectly correspond.
16

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶת שְׁנֵ֥י הַמְּאֹרֹ֖ת הַגְּדֹלִ֑ים אֶת הַמָּא֤וֹר הַגָּדֹל֙ לְמֶמְשֶׁ֣לֶת הַיּ֔וֹם וְאֶת הַמָּא֤וֹר הַקָּטֹן֙ לְמֶמְשֶׁ֣לֶת הַלַּ֔יְלָה וְאֵ֖ת הַכּוֹכָבִֽים

And God made the two great luminaries: the greater luminary for the rule of the day, and the lesser luminary for the rule of the night, and the stars.

Narrative sequence: execution report for the luminariesוַיַּעַשׂ
The command now becomes narrated fact. The verse names the two principal luminaries by relative size and assigned domain rather than by the conventional names sun and moon, a reticence often noted in discussion of Genesis 1's demythologizing rhetoric. The stars are added almost tersely at the end, as secondary members of the same heavenly ordering.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂand he madeconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do'; constructive divine fashioning, distinct from בָּרָא which denotes origination ex nihilo.
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂאֱלֹהִים (H430), plural form governing singular verb; plural of majesty for Israel's God.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks the two luminaries as definite direct object; untranslated.
שְׁנֵ֥יtwo ofcardinal numeral m du cstr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral in construct chainשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; dual cardinal in construct, specifying the pair of great luminaries.
הַמְּאֹרֹ֖תthe luminariesart + N m pl abs · מָאוֹר (H3974)Direct object (head of construct chain)מָאוֹר (H3974) 'luminary, light-bearer', from אוֹר; these are vessels that bear and rule light, not light itself.
הַגְּדֹלִ֑יםthe great onesart + Adj m pl abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective (modifying הַמְּאֹרֹת)גָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; both luminaries called great before differentiation by relative size.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (specifying first luminary)
הַמָּא֤וֹרthe luminaryart + N m sg abs · מָאוֹר (H3974)Direct object (appositive specification)מָאוֹר (H3974) 'luminary'; the greater individuated from the pair; sun deliberately unnamed, avoiding solar deity associations.
הַגָּדֹל֙the greaterart + Adj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective (modifying הַמָּאוֹר)גָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great'; distinguishes the sun from the moon by relative magnitude, not by proper name.
לְמֶמְשֶׁ֣לֶתfor the rule ofprep לְ + N f sg cstr · מֶמְשֶׁלֶת (H4475)Purpose prepositional phrase (construct chain)מֶמְשֶׁלֶת (H4475) 'dominion, rule', from מָשַׁל (H4910); the luminary governs its temporal realm.
הַיּ֔וֹםthe dayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive of rule (object of מֶמְשֶׁלֶת)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the temporal domain of the greater luminary, answering the light-darkness of day one.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + object marker (second luminary)
הַמָּא֤וֹרthe luminaryart + N m sg abs · מָאוֹר (H3974)Direct object (second appositive specification)מָאוֹר (H3974) 'luminary'; the lesser individuated; moon unnamed, avoiding lunar deity nomenclature of the ANE.
הַקָּטֹן֙the lesserart + Adj m sg abs · קָטֹן (H6996)Attributive adjective (modifying הַמָּאוֹר)קָטֹן (H6996) 'small, lesser'; moon relativized by size, not diminished in value; it governs the night.
לְמֶמְשֶׁ֣לֶתfor the rule ofprep לְ + N f sg cstr · מֶמְשֶׁלֶת (H4475)Purpose prepositional phrase (construct chain)מֶמְשֶׁלֶת (H4475) 'dominion, rule'; moon's governance of night parallels the solar rule of day.
הַלַּ֔יְלָהthe nightart + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Genitive of rule (object of מֶמְשֶׁלֶת)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; temporal domain of the lesser luminary, completing the paired governance scheme.
וְאֵ֖תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + object marker (the stars)
הַכּוֹכָבִֽיםthe starsart + N m pl abs · כּוֹכָב (H3556)Direct object (appended third item)כּוֹכָב (H3556) 'star'; added tersely after the two luminaries, contrasting their cosmic prominence in ANE cosmologies.
17

וַיִּתֵּ֥ן אֹתָ֛ם אֱלֹהִ֖ים בִּרְקִ֣יעַ הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם לְהָאִ֖יר עַל הָאָֽרֶץ

And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.

Narrative sequence: placement of the luminariesוַיִּתֵּן
After making the luminaries, God places them in their proper realm. The verse reiterates the day-four emphasis that the lights exist for the earth's benefit: their heavenly station is not remote ornamentation but ordered service, giving light upon the earth.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיִּתֵּ֥ןand he placedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, set, place'; Qal; God installs the luminaries in their designated heavenly position.
אֹתָ֛םthem [obj]obj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Pronominal direct objectאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix; refers anaphorically to the luminaries and stars just made in v.16.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject (postposed)אֱלֹהִים (H430) sovereign Creator; postposed subject — narrative focus falls on the act of placement.
בִּרְקִ֣יעַin the expanse ofprep בְּ + N m sg cstr · רָקִיעַ (H7549)Locative prepositional phraseרָקִיעַ (H7549) 'firmament'; the proper domain assigned to luminaries; repeated from vv.14-15.
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Genitive of רָקִיעַשָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens'; same locative phrase as vv.14-15; the upper realm of luminary placement.
לְהָאִ֖ירto give lightprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · אוֹר (H215)Purpose infinitive construct→ Infinitive of purpose: to shine upon the earthאוֹר (H215) 'to give light'; Hiphil inf constr; repeats v.15's purpose clause — earth-oriented function stressed.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Directional prepositionעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; the earth below is the luminaries' beneficiary — placement in heaven serves the earth.
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of לְהָאִיראֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth'; the realm below; the luminaries' heavenly station is in service of earthly light.
18

וְלִמְשֹׁל֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם וּבַלַּ֔יְלָה וּֽלֲהַבְדִּ֔יל בֵּ֥ין הָא֖וֹר וּבֵ֣ין הַחֹ֑שֶׁךְ וַיַּ֥רְא אֱלֹהִ֖ים כִּי טֽוֹב

And to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate between the light and between the darkness. And God saw that it was good.

Purpose continuation and evaluationוְלִמְשֹׁל
The verse completes the purpose chain begun in vv.14-17: the luminaries not only illumine but govern the temporal realms and maintain the light-dark distinction. The final clause returns to the familiar evaluation formula, so day four closes by circling back to the first day's foundational separation.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְלִמְשֹׁל֙and to ruleconj וְ + prep לְ + Qal inf constr · מָשַׁל (H4910)Purpose inf constr (coordinate)→ Infinitive of purpose: ongoing temporal governanceמָשַׁל (H4910) 'to rule, have dominion'; Qal inf constr; luminaries exercise governance over day and night.
בַּיּ֣וֹםover the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Object of מָשַׁל (day domain)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; with prep בְּ marking the governed domain — the daytime period ruled by the greater luminary.
וּבַלַּ֔יְלָהand over the nightconj וּ + prep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Second object of מָשַׁללַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; coordinated with יוֹם — the entire temporal range falls under luminary governance.
וּֽלֲהַבְדִּ֔ילand to separateconj וּ + prep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · בָּדַל (H914)Second purpose infinitive construct→ Infinitive of purpose: maintaining cosmic orderבָּדַל (H914) 'to divide, separate'; Hiphil; echoes day-one separation (v.4) — luminaries perpetuate the boundary.
בֵּ֥יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Preposition (first term)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; introduces the two polarities the luminaries are appointed to keep separate.
הָא֖וֹרthe lightart + N (c) sg abs · אוֹר (H216)First object of בֵּיןאוֹר (H216) 'light'; the realm created on day one; now governed and bounded by the luminaries.
וּבֵ֣יןand betweenconj וּ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Coordinating prep (second term)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; repeated with waw for the second polarity — standard contrast formula.
הַחֹ֑שֶׁךְthe darknessart + N m sg abs · חֹשֶׁךְ (H2822)Second object of וּבֵיןחֹשֶׁךְ (H2822) 'darkness'; primordial darkness of v.2; boundary established in v.4 perpetuated by luminaries.
וַיַּ֥רְאand he sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol evaluation formula→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance to divine assessmentרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Qal; the recurring divine evaluation formula endorsing the created order.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיַּרְאאֱלֹהִים (H430) subject of the evaluation; his assessment closes and endorses the entire day-four work.
כִּיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer introducing evaluationכִּי (H3588) 'that, because'; complementizer introducing the content of God's assessment.
טֽוֹבgoodadj m sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Predicate adjectiveטוֹב (H2896) 'good'; day-four creation meets the Creator's standard of ordered function.
19

וַֽיְהִי עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי בֹ֖קֶר י֥וֹם רְבִיעִֽי

And there was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.

Narrative sequence: day-close for day fourוַיְהִי
The standard evening-morning refrain closes the fourth day. Unlike the distinctive 'one day' of v.5, the sequence has now settled into regular ordinal numbering, and day four is marked as the counterpart to day one in the narrative's patterned architecture.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַֽיְהִיand there wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, exist'; here existential, marking onset of evening in the day-close formula.
עֶ֥רֶבeveningN m sg abs · עֶרֶב (H6153)Subject of הָיָהעֶרֶב (H6153) 'evening, dusk'; first term of the daily boundary formula closing each creation day.
וַֽיְהִיand there wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, exist'; repeated for morning, completing the evening-morning day-frame.
בֹ֖קֶרmorningN m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Subject of הָיָהבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning, dawn'; paired with עֶרֶב as the second term in the recurring day-close cadence.
י֥וֹםdayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Appositive day-number phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; head of the ordinal phrase; the fourth creation day is closed here.
רְבִיעִֽיfourthordinal adj m sg abs · רְבִיעִי (H7243)Ordinal modifier of יוֹםרְבִיעִי (H7243) 'fourth'; ordinal from אַרְבַּע; marks day four, the counterpart to day one in the chapter's symmetry.
20

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֔ים יִשְׁרְצ֣וּ הַמַּ֔יִם שֶׁ֖רֶץ נֶ֣פֶשׁ חַיָּ֑ה וְעוֹף֙ יְעוֹפֵ֣ף עַל הָאָ֔רֶץ עַל פְּנֵ֖י רְקִ֥יעַ הַשָּׁמָֽיִם

And God said, 'Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the expanse of the heavens.'

Narrative sequence: divine speech opening day fiveוַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים
Day five begins with the familiar divine speech formula, but the command now turns to the two realms prepared earlier in the chapter: the waters below and the heavens above. The verse is neatly bipartite. First the waters are commanded to teem with living creatures; then the flying creatures are assigned their sphere above the earth and before the face of the heavenly expanse.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say, speak'; the divine speech verb introducing every creation fiat across this chapter.
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֱלֹהִים (H430) plural in form, takes singular verbs; Israel's God as sole creator and speaker.
יִשְׁרְצ֣וּlet them swarmQal impf 3mp · שָׁרַץ (H8317)Jussive of divine command→ Yiqtol: modal-volitional — divine command for creaturely swarmingשָׁרַץ (H8317) 'to swarm, teem, breed abundantly'; used of mass-multiplying creatures; root shared with noun שֶׁרֶץ following.
הַמַּ֔יִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of יִשְׁרְצוּמַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; the primordial element gathered on day three, now assigned to teem with life.
שֶׁ֖רֶץswarms ofN m sg constr · שֶׁרֶץ (H8318)Direct object in construct chainשֶׁרֶץ (H8318) 'swarm, swarming things'; cognate to שָׁרַץ; internal object intensifying the swarming command.
נֶ֣פֶשׁliving creatureN (common) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive of שֶׁרֶץנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'life, living being'; denotes animate life broadly — not a disembodied soul but a breathing entity.
חַיָּ֑הlivingadj f sg abs · חַי (H2416)Attributive adjective modifying נֶפֶשׁחַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; from root חָיָה 'to live'; with נֶפֶשׁ forms the fixed phrase 'living being.'
וְעוֹף֙and birdsconj וְ + N m sg abs · עוֹף (H5775)Coordinated subject (second command)עוֹף (H5775) 'flying creatures, birds'; collective singular for all winged creatures; assigned to the sky sphere.
יְעוֹפֵ֣ףlet them flyPolel impf 3ms · עוּף (H5774)Jussive of divine command→ Yiqtol: modal-volitional — command for birds to fly aloft repeatedlyעוּף (H5774) 'to fly'; Polel is intensive/frequentative — 'fly about'; cognate to collective noun עוֹף above.
עַלaboveprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of locationעַל (H5921) 'upon, over, above'; directs birds' flight to the sphere over the earth.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe earthart + N (common) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prep עַלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the terrestrial realm above which the birds are to fly.
עַלacrossprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of locationעַל (H5921) 'over, upon'; second occurrence; specifies the celestial boundary as the expanse face.
פְּנֵ֖יface ofN (common) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct (head of עַל phrase)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, surface'; always plural; construct before רְקִיעַ — 'the face of the expanse.'
רְקִ֥יעַexpanse ofN m sg constr · רָקִיעַ (H7549)Construct (head of genitival chain)רָקִיעַ (H7549) 'expanse, firmament'; from רָקַע 'to beat out flat'; the sky-dome established on day two.
הַשָּׁמָֽיִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Genitive of רְקִיעַשָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; always plural; named on day two; clarifies the expanse as the heavenly dome.
21

וַיִּבְרָ֣א אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶת הַתַּנִּינִ֖ם הַגְּדֹלִ֑ים וְאֵ֣ת כָּל נֶ֣פֶשׁ הַֽחַיָּ֣ה הָֽרֹמֶ֡שֶׂת אֲשֶׁר֩ שָׁרְצ֨וּ הַמַּ֜יִם לְמִֽינֵהֶ֗ם וְאֵ֨ת כָּל ע֤וֹף כָּנָף֙ לְמִינֵ֔הוּ וַיַּ֥רְא אֱלֹהִ֖ים כִּי טֽוֹב

So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Narrative sequence: execution and evaluation of the day-five commandוַיִּבְרָא
The command of v.20 is now narrated as accomplished. The verse moves from the specially highlighted great sea creatures to the rest of the aquatic life and then to every winged bird, each according to its kind. The divine evaluation returns at the end, confirming that this newly populated world of water and sky stands within the good order of creation.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיִּבְרָ֣אand createdQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּרָא (H1254)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — decisive creative actבָּרָא (H1254) 'to create'; Qal always with God as subject; effortless divine origination; echoes 1:1.
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיִּבְרָאאֱלֹהִים (H430) plural in form, singular verbs; divine majesty; the sole agent of this creature-creation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַתַּנִּינִ֖םthe sea creaturesart + N m pl abs · תַּנִּין (H8577)Direct object of וַיִּבְרָא (first)תַּנִּין (H8577) 'sea monster, great serpent'; here demythologized as creatures under God's authority; no cosmic threat implied.
הַגְּדֹלִ֑יםthe greatart + adj m pl abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying הַתַּנִּינִםגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large, mighty'; article matches its noun; highlights the impressive scale of these creatures.
וְאֵ֣תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; waw coordinates to second direct object, כָּל נֶפֶשׁ.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in construct chainכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, totality'; in construct before נֶפֶשׁ; comprehensively encompasses all aquatic living creatures.
נֶ֣פֶשׁcreatureN (common) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive of כֹּלנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'living being, life'; animate breathing entity; the second main object group of וַיִּבְרָא.
הַֽחַיָּ֣הlivingart + adj f sg abs · חַי (H2416)Attributive adjective modifying נֶפֶשׁחַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; with article as attributive; נֶפֶשׁ הַחַיָּה is a fixed phrase for animate creatures.
הָֽרֹמֶ֡שֶׂתthat swarmsart + Qal ptc f sg abs · רָמַשׂ (H7430)Attributive participle modifying נֶפֶשׁ→ Participle: ongoing habitual action — creatures characterized by continual movementרָמַשׂ (H7430) 'to move about, creep, swarm'; fem ptc with article; characterizes water creatures as perpetually moving.
אֲשֶׁר֩whichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing relative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) the standard Hebrew relative particle; introduces the clause confirming the waters' swarming.
שָׁרְצ֨וּswarmedQal perf 3cp · שָׁרַץ (H8317)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Perfective: completed past action — waters already produced their swarmsשָׁרַץ (H8317) 'to swarm, teem'; perfect here records the fulfilled swarming commanded in v.20.
הַמַּ֜יִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of שָׁרְצוּמַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; refers back to the waters of v.20; the relative clause confirms fulfillment.
לְמִֽינֵהֶ֗םaccording to their kindsprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3mp suffix · מִין (H4327)Adverbial phrase of classificationמִין (H4327) 'kind, species'; recurring classification formula; emphasizes ordered creaturely diversity rather than chaos.
וְאֵ֨תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (third object)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; waw coordinates to third direct object, כָּל עוֹף כָּנָף.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in construct chainכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; in construct before עוֹף; comprehensively includes all winged creatures of the sky.
ע֤וֹףbirdN m sg abs · עוֹף (H5775)Genitive of כֹּל (third object)עוֹף (H5775) 'flying creature, bird'; collective; the sky-filling creatures created in day five's narrative.
כָּנָף֙wingedN f sg abs · כָּנָף (H3671)Attributive noun modifying עוֹףכָּנָף (H3671) 'wing, extremity'; used attributively here — 'winged'; כָּל עוֹף כָּנָף = every wing-bearing bird.
לְמִינֵ֔הוּaccording to its kindprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · מִין (H4327)Adverbial phrase of classificationמִין (H4327) 'kind, species'; 3ms suffix refers to עוֹף (collective sg); ordered diversity of winged creatures.
וַיַּ֥רְאand sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (evaluation clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — divine evaluative scrutinyרָאָה (H7200) 'to see, evaluate'; God's seeing is an approving assessment; this verdict formula recurs across ch. 1.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיַּרְאאֱלֹהִים (H430) the divine subject who pronounces the repeated goodness verdict over creation.
כִּיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer introducing object clauseכִּי (H3588) 'that, because'; here complementizer after רָאָה, introducing the content of divine evaluation.
טֽוֹבgoodadj m sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Predicate adjective in evaluation clauseטוֹב (H2896) 'good, fitting, pleasant'; divine verdict repeated throughout ch. 1; affirms creation's ordered completion.
22

וַיְבָ֧רֶךְ אֹתָ֛ם אֱלֹהִ֖ים לֵאמֹ֑ר פְּר֣וּ וּרְב֗וּ וּמִלְא֤וּ אֶת הַמַּ֨יִם֙ בַּיַּמִּ֔ים וְהָע֖וֹף יִ֥רֶב בָּאָֽרֶץ

And God blessed them, saying, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.'

Narrative sequence: first creaturely blessingוַיְבָרֶךְ
For the first time in the narrative a blessing is spoken over living creatures. The blessing interprets abundance not merely as biological increase but as divine favor. It falls in two parts: the creatures of the seas are commanded to be fruitful, multiply, and fill their domain, while the birds are granted multiplication upon the earth.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיְבָ֧רֶךְand blessedPiel wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — first creaturely blessingבָּרַךְ (H1288) 'to bless'; Piel is the standard blessing stem; the first creaturely blessing in the chapter, conferring fecundity.
אֹתָ֛םthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיְבָרֶךְאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix; refers to sea creatures and birds of v.21; blessing directed personally at them.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיְבָרֶךְאֱלֹהִים (H430) the divine blesser; subject follows verb and object — a marked word-order variation.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Attendant circumstance (introducing direct speech)→ Infinitive construct: attendant modal — content of the blessing followsאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; לֵאמֹר is the standard direct-speech formula; signals verbatim divine address to follow.
פְּר֣וּbe fruitfulQal impv 2mp · פָּרָה (H6509)Imperative of blessing-command→ Volitional: divine imperative — first command of the triadפָּרָה (H6509) 'to be fruitful, bear fruit'; first element of the triad פְּרוּ וּרְבוּ וּמִלְאוּ; rooted in agricultural fecundity.
וּרְב֗וּand multiplyconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · רָבָה (H7235)Coordinated imperative→ Volitional: coordinated divine imperative — command for numerical increaseרָבָה (H7235) 'to multiply, increase'; root רבה conveys numerical abundance; second element of the blessing triad.
וּמִלְא֤וּand fillconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · מָלֵא (H4390)Coordinated imperative→ Volitional: coordinated divine imperative — command to fill the seasמָלֵא (H4390) 'to fill, be full'; third command of the triad; creatures commanded to fill their aquatic domain.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַמַּ֨יִם֙the watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object of וּמִלְאוּמַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; the domain to be filled by sea creatures through the blessing of abundance.
בַּיַּמִּ֔יםin the seasprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · יָם (H3220)Locative prepositional phraseיָם (H3220) 'sea, ocean'; plural refers to the collected seas named on day three; the creaturely aquatic domain.
וְהָע֖וֹףand the birdsconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · עוֹף (H5775)Subject of יִרֶב (second clause)עוֹף (H5775) 'birds, winged creatures'; with article and coordinating waw; the second blessing recipient here.
יִ֥רֶבlet multiplyQal jussive 3ms · רָבָה (H7235)Jussive (third-person command for birds)→ Volitional: jussive — divine wish/permission for avian multiplicationרָבָה (H7235) 'to multiply'; jussive form יִרֶב expresses divine permission; birds increase in the terrestrial sphere.
בָּאָֽרֶץon the earthprep בְּ + art + N (common) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; birds multiply here, not only in the sky; their domain for increase overlaps the earth.
23

וַֽיְהִי עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי בֹ֖קֶר י֥וֹם חֲמִישִֽׁי

And there was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.

Narrative sequence: day-close for day fiveוַיְהִי
The standard evening-morning refrain closes the fifth day. After the creation and blessing of sea life and bird life, the formula marks the completion of another ordered cycle within the narrative's measured liturgical cadence.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַֽיְהִיand there wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, exist'; first existential verb of the day-five closing formula.
עֶ֥רֶבeveningN m sg abs · עֶרֶב (H6153)Subject of הָיָהעֶרֶב (H6153) 'evening, dusk'; first temporal boundary marker in the standard day-close formula.
וַֽיְהִיand there wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, exist'; second instance; marks onset of morning to complete the daily frame.
בֹ֖קֶרmorningN m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Subject of הָיָהבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning, dawn'; second temporal marker; with עֶרֶב frames the complete fifth creation day.
י֥וֹםdayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Appositive day-number phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; head of the ordinal phrase; the fifth creation day, paired structurally with day two.
חֲמִישִֽׁיfifthordinal adj m sg abs · חֲמִישִׁי (H2549)Ordinal modifier of יוֹםחֲמִישִׁי (H2549) 'fifth'; ordinal of חָמֵשׁ 'five'; closes day five, structurally paired with day two in creation architecture.
24

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים תּוֹצֵ֨א הָאָ֜רֶץ נֶ֤פֶשׁ חַיָּה֙ לְמִינָ֔הּ בְּהֵמָ֥ה וָרֶ֛מֶשׂ וְחַֽיְתוֹ אֶ֖רֶץ לְמִינָ֑הּ וַֽיְהִי כֵֽן

And God said, 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds'; and it was so.

Narrative sequence: day-six command for land creaturesוַיֹּאמֶר
Day six begins by extending the ordering work from sea and sky to the dry land. The earth itself is summoned to bring forth animate life, and the verse arranges terrestrial creatures in broad groupings: domesticated animals, creeping things, and wild beasts. The repeated phrase 'according to their kinds' underscores ordered diversity rather than undifferentiated abundance.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say, speak'; introduces each divine creative fiat in Genesis 1.
אֱלֹהִ֗יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֱלֹהִים (H430), pl form, sg in use; Israel's God as sovereign creator.
תּוֹצֵ֨אlet it bring forthHiphil jussive 3fs · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb, volitional jussive→ Volitional jussive: divine command to earthיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Hiphil 'bring forth'; earth commissioned to produce life.
הָאָ֜רֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject of תּוֹצֵאאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the named dry land summoned to generate life.
נֶ֤פֶשׁliving beingN (c) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object of תּוֹצֵאנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'living being'; with חַיָּה = 'living creature,' denoting animate life.
חַיָּה֙livingAdj f sg abs · חַי (H2416)Attributive adj modifying נֶפֶשׁחַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; from חָיָה; adj forming נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה 'living creature.'
לְמִינָ֔הּaccording to its kindprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fs suf · מִין (H4327)Prep phrase (specification of kind)מִין (H4327) 'kind, species'; ensures creatures reproduce by their specific type.
בְּהֵמָ֥הcattleN f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Appositive (first of threefold taxonomy)בְּהֵמָה (H929) 'livestock, cattle'; collective for domesticated animals, contrasted with חַיַּת.
וָרֶ֛מֶשׂand creeping thingsconj וָ + N m sg abs · רֶמֶשׂ (H7431)Conj + appositive (second category)רֶמֶשׂ (H7431) 'creeping thing'; from רָמַשׂ 'to creep'; small ground-level creatures.
וְחַֽיְתוֹand wild beasts ofconj וְ + N f sg constr · חַיָּה (H2416)Conj + construct chain (third category)חַיָּה (H2416) 'wild beast'; construct חַיְתוֹ אֶרֶץ = 'beasts of the earth.'
אֶ֖רֶץearthN (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain genitive of חַיְתוֹאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; genitive of חַיְתוֹ specifying habitat of wild creatures.
לְמִינָ֑הּaccording to their kindprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fs suf · מִין (H4327)Prep phrase (specification, second)מִין (H4327) 'kind, species'; 3fs suf refers to חַיְתוֹ; repeats ordered diversity.
וַֽיְהִיand it was soQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Fulfillment formula (wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; וַיְהִי כֵן marks immediate execution of God's word.
כֵֽןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb (fulfillment formula)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; with וַיְהִי forms the fulfillment formula of Genesis 1.
25

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ אֱלֹהִים֩ אֶת חַיַּ֨ת הָאָ֜רֶץ לְמִינָ֗הּ וְאֶת הַבְּהֵמָה֙ לְמִינָ֔הּ וְאֵ֛ת כָּל רֶ֥מֶשׂ הָֽאֲדָמָ֖ה לְמִינֵ֑הוּ וַיַּ֥רְא אֱלֹהִ֖ים כִּי טֽוֹב

And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds, and the cattle according to their kinds, and every creeping thing of the ground according to its kind; and God saw that it was good.

Narrative fulfillment and evaluation of the land-animal commandוַיַּעַשׂ
The narrative now presents fulfillment in a more direct 'God made' formulation. The threefold taxonomy is repeated with slight variation, and the verse ends with the familiar divine evaluation. Before humanity appears, the land realm is shown to be complete, differentiated, and good.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂand he madeQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (narrative fulfillment)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make'; execution verb; God fashions what was commanded.
אֱלֹהִים֩GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂאֱלֹהִים (H430), pl form, sg; sole maker of land creatures.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (first object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
חַיַּ֨תwild beasts ofN f sg constr · חַיָּה (H2416)Direct object (construct chain head)חַיָּה (H2416) 'wild beast'; in construct with הָאָרֶץ = 'beasts of the earth.'
הָאָ֜רֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain genitive of חַיַּתאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; definite genitive; specifies wild animals of the land realm.
לְמִינָ֗הּaccording to their kindprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fs suf · מִין (H4327)Prep phrase (kind, first category)מִין (H4327) 'kind, species'; 3fs suffix refers to חַיַּת; first of three category-specifications.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerוְ coordinates the second object; אֵת (H853) marks הַבְּהֵמָה as definite direct object.
הַבְּהֵמָה֙the cattleart + N f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Direct object (second, livestock)בְּהֵמָה (H929) 'livestock, cattle'; with article, refers to domesticated class from v.24.
לְמִינָ֔הּaccording to their kindprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fs suf · מִין (H4327)Prep phrase (kind, second category)מִין (H4327) 'kind, species'; 3fs suffix refers to הַבְּהֵמָה; second of three category-specifications.
וְאֵ֛תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerוְ coordinates the third member; אֵת (H853) marks כָּל רֶמֶשׂ as definite object.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain head (totality)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct: every creeping thing of the ground.
רֶ֥מֶשׂcreeping thing ofN m sg constr · רֶמֶשׂ (H7431)Construct chain (middle member)רֶמֶשׂ (H7431) 'creeping thing'; from רָמַשׂ 'to creep'; ground-level creatures.
הָֽאֲדָמָ֖הthe groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Construct chain genitive of רֶמֶשׂאֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, soil'; related to אָדָם; surface earth where creeping creatures move.
לְמִינֵ֑הוּaccording to its kindprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suf · מִין (H4327)Prep phrase (kind, third category)מִין (H4327) 'kind, species'; 3ms suf refers to collective רֶמֶשׂ; closes threefold taxonomy.
וַיַּ֥רְאand he sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (evaluation clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; divine evaluative gaze connoting approbation, not mere perception.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיַּרְאאֱלֹהִים (H430), pl form, sg; divine evaluator pronouncing the verdict of goodness.
כִּיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer (divine evaluation content)כִּי (H3588) 'that, because'; here complementizer introducing the content of divine evaluation.
טֽוֹבgoodAdj m sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Predicate adjective (evaluative verdict)טוֹב (H2896) 'good, pleasant, fitting'; recurring divine verdict affirming ordered goodness of creation.
26

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֔ים נַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה אָדָ֛ם בְּצַלְמֵ֖נוּ כִּדְמוּתֵ֑נוּ וְיִרְדּוּ֩ בִדְגַ֨ת הַיָּ֜ם וּבְע֣וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם וּבַבְּהֵמָה֙ וּבְכָל הָאָ֔רֶץ וּבְכָל הָרֶ֖מֶשׂ הָֽרֹמֵ֥שׂ עַל הָאָֽרֶץ

And God said, 'Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'

Narrative advance: climactic divine deliberationוַיֹּאמֶר
The narrative slows conspicuously at its climax. Instead of the brief fiat formula alone, God speaks in the first-person plural and states both the making of humankind and its royal vocation. The verse binds image-language to dominion-language: humanity is to represent God within creation and to rule the living realms beneath the heavens.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say, speak'; recurring divine speech formula introducing each fiat.
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֱלֹהִים (H430), plural form, singular verb; Israel's God, plural of majesty.
נַֽעֲשֶׂ֥הlet us makeQal impf 1cp (cohortative) · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (divine deliberation)→ Yiqtol: cohortative — divine resolve to createעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do, fashion'; plural of divine deliberation; chapter's climax.
אָדָ֛םhumankindN m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Direct object of נַעֲשֶׂהאָדָם (H120) 'humankind, humanity'; from אֲדָמָה 'ground'; generic not a proper name.
בְּצַלְמֵ֖נוּin our imageprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 1cp sfx · צֶלֶם (H6754)Instrumental prepositional phraseצֶלֶם (H6754) 'image, likeness, statue'; connotes representative likeness; royal image-bearer.
כִּדְמוּתֵ֑נוּaccording to our likenessprep כְּ + N f sg constr + 1cp sfx · דְּמוּת (H1823)Comparative prepositional phraseדְּמוּת (H1823) 'likeness, resemblance'; from דָּמָה 'to resemble'; qualifies צֶלֶם toward similitude.
וְיִרְדּוּ֩and let them ruleconj וְ + Qal juss 3mp · רָדָה (H7287)Coordinated jussive (dominion mandate)→ Yiqtol: jussive — mandate for dominionרָדָה (H7287) 'to rule, have dominion, tread down'; royal governance over creatures.
בִדְגַ֨תover the fish ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · דָּגָה (H1710)Prepositional phrase (domain of rule)דָּגָה (H1710) 'fish' (collective); in construct with הַיָּם; the realm of sea creatures.
הַיָּ֜םthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Genitival noun (construct chain)יָם (H3220) 'sea, ocean'; gathered waters of v.10; first domain of dominion.
וּבְע֣וֹףand over the birdsconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · עוֹף (H5775)Coordinated prepositional phrase (domain)עוֹף (H5775) 'flying creatures, birds'; collective; aerial realm created on day five.
הַשָּׁמַ֗יִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Genitival noun (construct chain)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; the expanse of day two; second domain of dominion.
וּבַבְּהֵמָה֙and over the livestockconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Coordinated prepositional phrase (domain)בְּהֵמָה (H929) 'livestock, beasts, cattle'; land animals distinct from wild and creeping.
וּבְכָלand over allconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated prepositional phrase (totality)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, the whole'; comprehensive scope of the dominion mandate.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitival noun (object of dominion)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; third domain; expands dominion to the whole terrestrial realm.
וּבְכָלand over everyconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated prepositional phrase (totality)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; resumes totality before specifying the creeping things.
הָרֶ֖מֶשׂthe creeping thingsart + N m sg abs · רֶמֶשׂ (H7431)Genitival noun (object of dominion)רֶמֶשׂ (H7431) 'creeping things, swarming creatures'; from רָמַשׂ; creatures close to ground.
הָֽרֹמֵ֥שׂthat creepsart + Qal ptc m sg abs · רָמַשׂ (H7430)Attributive participial clause→ Participle: ongoing characteristic actionרָמַשׂ (H7430) 'to creep, swarm'; participial form adds motion quality to noun רֶמֶשׂ.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, upon, over'; locative specifying the ground surface the creepers traverse.
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of עַל (locative)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the surface of the ground; closes the creeping-things phrase.
27

וַיִּבְרָ֨א אֱלֹהִ֤ים אֶת הָֽאָדָם֙ בְּצַלְמ֔וֹ בְּצֶ֥לֶם אֱלֹהִ֖ים בָּרָ֣א אֹת֑וֹ זָכָ֥ר וּנְקֵבָ֖ה בָּרָ֥א אֹתָֽם

And God created humankind in his image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Narrative sequence: creation of image-bearing humanityוַיִּבְרָא
The prose becomes terser and almost poetic. The threefold repetition of ברא hammers home divine agency, while the verse moves from singular humanity to the differentiation 'male and female.' What verse 26 announced in deliberative form now stands as accomplished creation.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּבְרָ֨אand he createdconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּרָא (H1254)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּרָא (H1254) 'to create'; Qal always has God as subject; divine origination.
אֱלֹהִ֤יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיִּבְרָאאֱלֹהִים (H430), plural form, singular force; sole creator-agent, threefold repetition.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הָֽאָדָם֙humankindart + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Direct object (primary)אָדָם (H120) 'humanity, humankind'; articled; individuating God's creature-representative.
בְּצַלְמ֔וֹin his imageprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms sfx · צֶלֶם (H6754)Instrumental prepositional phraseצֶלֶם (H6754) 'image, likeness'; 3ms suffix references God's own image; grounds humanity's dignity.
בְּצֶ֥לֶםin the image ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · צֶלֶם (H6754)Resumptive prepositional phrase (apposition)צֶלֶם (H6754) 'image'; resumptive restatement in construct, now naming the image's owner.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםof GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitival noun (construct chain)אֱלֹהִים (H430) in construct with צֶלֶם; image explicitly identified as divine.
בָּרָ֣אhe createdQal perf 3ms · בָּרָא (H1254)Predicate verb (second poetic colon)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive creative actבָּרָא (H1254) 'to create'; repeated for poetic emphasis; terse stich hammers divine agency.
אֹת֑וֹhimobj marker + 3ms sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct-object pronoun (suffix on אֵת)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix; pronominal object for the human as singular.
זָכָ֥רmaleAdj m sg abs · זָכָר (H2145)Adverbial accusative (gender pair)זָכָר (H2145) 'male'; first of binary sexual differentiation; counterpart to נְקֵבָה.
וּנְקֵבָ֖הand femaleconj וְ + N f sg abs · נְקֵבָה (H5347)Coordinated noun (gender pair)נְקֵבָה (H5347) 'female'; from נָקַב 'to pierce'; anatomical term; second of the pair.
בָּרָ֥אhe createdQal perf 3ms · בָּרָא (H1254)Predicate verb (third poetic colon)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive creative actבָּרָא (H1254) 'to create'; third repetition closes the strophe with divine-agency refrain.
אֹתָֽםthemobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct-object pronoun (suffix on אֵת)אֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix; shifts to plural encompassing both male and female.
28

וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אֹתָם֮ אֱלֹהִים֒ וַיֹּ֨אמֶר לָהֶ֜ם אֱלֹהִ֗ים פְּר֥וּ וּרְב֛וּ וּמִלְא֥וּ אֶת הָאָ֖רֶץ וְכִבְשֻׁ֑הָ וּרְד֞וּ בִּדְגַ֤ת הַיָּם֙ וּבְע֣וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וּבְכָל חַיָּ֖ה הָֽרֹמֶ֥שֶׂת עַל הָאָֽרֶץ

And God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that creeps on the earth.'

Narrative sequence: human blessing and royal mandateוַיְבָרֶךְ
The human pair receives the narrative's second blessing, now expanded into a mandate. As in verse 22, fruitfulness, multiplication, and filling are blessed; unlike verse 22, the blessing also includes subduing the earth and exercising dominion over its living creatures. Fertility and delegated rule are joined in humanity's vocation.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיְבָ֣רֶךְand he blessedconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּרַךְ (H1288) 'to bless'; Piel: decisive conferral of divine favor on humanity.
אֹתָם֮them [obj]obj marker + suf 3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (them)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi + suf 3mp marking the human pair as blessed objects.
אֱלֹהִים֒GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיְבָרֶךְאֱלֹהִים (H430) plural form, singular meaning; subject of blessing and following speech.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the blessing's spoken content as direct speech.
לָהֶ֜םto themprep לְ + suf 3mp · לְ (prep)Indirect object prepositional phrasePrep לְ with suf 3mp; the human pair receive the divine command directly.
אֱלֹהִ֗יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֱלֹהִים (H430) restated as subject of וַיֹּאמֶר, emphasizing divine authorship of the mandate.
פְּר֥וּbe fruitfulQal impv 2mp · פָּרָה (H6509)Volitive imperative (1st command)→ Volitional: direct divine commandפָּרָה (H6509) 'to be fruitful'; echoes v.22's animal blessing now given to humanity.
וּרְב֛וּand multiplyconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · רָבָה (H7235)Coordinated imperative (2nd command)→ Volitional: direct divine commandרָבָה (H7235) 'to multiply'; standard pairing with פְּרוּ in the Genesis blessing formula.
וּמִלְא֥וּand fillconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · מָלֵא (H4390)Coordinated imperative (3rd command)→ Volitional: direct divine commandמָלֵא (H4390) 'to fill'; third command: humanity to populate the earth completely.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (acc. particle)
הָאָ֖רֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of וּמִלְאוּאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the terrestrial realm humanity is to fill and subdue.
וְכִבְשֻׁ֑הָand subdue itconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp + suf 3fs · כָּבַשׁ (H3533)Coordinated imperative (4th command)→ Volitional: direct divine commandכָּבַשׁ (H3533) 'to subdue, tread down'; forceful mastery over the earth, ordering creation.
וּרְד֞וּand ruleconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · רָדָה (H7287)Coordinated imperative (5th command)→ Volitional: direct divine commandרָדָה (H7287) 'to rule'; royal viceregal authority over the living world's three domains.
בִּדְגַ֤תover the fish ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · דָּגָה (H1710)Prepositional phrase, object of dominionדָּגָה (H1710) 'fish' (collective); construct before הַיָּם, first named sphere of human dominion.
הַיָּם֙the seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Genitival noun (construct complement)יָם (H3220) 'sea'; the marine realm, first of three spheres of granted dominion.
וּבְע֣וֹףand over birds ofconj וּ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · עוֹף (H5775)Coordinated prepositional object of dominionעוֹף (H5775) 'flying creature, bird' (collective); the second sphere of dominion in construct.
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Genitival noun (construct complement)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; genitival complement to עוֹף, the aerial sphere of dominion.
וּבְכָלand over everyconj וּ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated totalizing object of dominionכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct, extending dominion totalistically to all land creatures.
חַיָּ֖הliving creatureN f sg abs · חַיָּה (H2416)Genitival complement after כָּלחַיָּה (H2416) 'living creature, animal'; collective feminine noun, encompassing all land fauna.
הָֽרֹמֶ֥שֶׂתthat creepsart + Qal ptc f sg abs · רָמַשׂ (H7430)Adjectival participle modifying חַיָּה→ Participle: durative characterizing actionרָמַשׂ (H7430) 'to creep'; Qal ptc with article = relative clause modifying חַיָּה.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; locative preposition specifying the earth as creeping domain.
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of עַל (locative)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; closes the dominion mandate as an inclusio with i10.
29

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים הִנֵּה֩ נָתַ֨תִּי לָכֶ֜ם אֶת כָּל עֵ֣שֶׂב זֹרֵ֣עַ זֶ֗רַע אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל פְּנֵ֣י כָל הָאָ֔רֶץ וְאֶת כָּל הָעֵ֛ץ אֲשֶׁר בּ֥וֹ פְרִי עֵ֖ץ זֹרֵ֣עַ זָ֑רַע לָכֶ֥ם יִֽהְיֶ֖ה לְאָכְלָֽה

And God said, 'Behold, I have given to you every seed-bearing plant that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree in which is the fruit of a tree bearing seed; it shall be yours for food.'

Narrative sequence: divine provision for humanityוַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים
After the blessing and commission of v.28, the narrative adds a further divine speech that assigns sustenance to the human pair. The presentative הִנֵּה and the perfect נָתַתִּי frame the food supply as an already granted gift, while the wording deliberately recalls the seed-bearing vegetation and fruit trees of day three.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (narrative advance)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces a second divine speech granting food after the dominion mandate.
אֱלֹהִ֗יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֱלֹהִים (H430); divine speaker who blessed and commissioned humanity now grants sustenance.
הִנֵּה֩beholdpresentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (attention marker)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; deictic particle directing attention to an imminent solemn announcement.
נָתַ֨תִּיI have givenQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Main predicate (divine grant speech)→ Perfective: completed divine act — declarative perfect of grantנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, grant'; perf 1cs as declarative perfect — grant ratified by divine speech.
לָכֶ֜םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffixIndirect object of נָתַתִּיprep לְ + 2mp suffix; humanity (male and female, v.27) as recipients of the food grant.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (first object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks the following כָּל-phrase as the first definite direct object.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head (first direct object)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct before עֵשֶׂב; universal scope — no seed-bearing plant excluded.
עֵ֣שֶׂבplantN m sg abs · עֵשֶׂב (H6212)Genitive of כָּל (first direct object)עֵשֶׂב (H6212) 'herb, plant'; created on day three (1:11); seed-bearing variety now granted as human food.
זֹרֵ֣עַbearing seedQal ptc m sg abs · זָרַע (H2232)Attributive participle modifying עֵשֶׂב→ Participle: ongoing characteristic — seed-producing capacityזָרַע (H2232) 'to sow, produce seed'; Qal ptc characterizes the plant by reproductive capacity; echoes 1:11.
זֶ֗רַעseedN m sg abs · זֶרַע (H2233)Direct object of participle זֹרֵעַזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring'; the seed-bearing criterion qualifies the plant for the food grant.
אֲשֶׁר֙whichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (locational clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative pronoun; introduces locational clause 'on the face of all the earth.'
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative in relative clause)עַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; locative — plants growing on the earth's surface are in scope.
פְּנֵ֣יthe face ofN (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct head (surface idiom)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, surface'; constr pl; פְּנֵי הָאָרֶץ is idiom for the earth's total surface.
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (total scope)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct before הָאָרֶץ; entire earth's surface is the scope of the food provision.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive of כָל (relative clause)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth'; the whole earth as range of the food grant, echoing the dominion mandate's scope.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת (H853) marks כָּל הָעֵץ as definite direct object.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head (second direct object)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct before הָעֵץ; every fruit tree falls within the provision.
הָעֵ֛ץthe treeart + N m sg abs · עֵץ (H6086)Genitive of כָּל (second direct object)עֵץ (H6086) 'tree'; fruit-trees of day three (1:11) granted as human food; article is generic.
אֲשֶׁרin whichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (characterizing clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces characterizing clause 'in which is fruit of a tree bearing seed.'
בּ֥וֹin itprep בְּ + 3ms suffixLocative predicate of relative clauseprep בְּ + 3ms suffix referring to הָעֵץ; the fruit is located within the tree itself.
פְרִיfruitN m sg constr · פְּרִי (H6529)Subject of relative clause (construct head)פְּרִי (H6529) 'fruit, produce'; construct before עֵץ; פְּרִי עֵץ = 'tree fruit' as qualifying idiom.
עֵ֖ץof a treeN m sg abs · עֵץ (H6086)Genitive of פְרִי (construct chain)עֵץ (H6086) 'tree'; second occurrence; construct chain פְּרִי עֵץ is idiom for tree-borne fruit.
זֹרֵ֣עַbearing seedQal ptc m sg abs · זָרַע (H2232)Attributive participle modifying עֵץ→ Participle: ongoing characteristic — seed-reproducing capacityזָרַע (H2232) 'to produce seed'; Qal ptc — same criterion as i=8 applied now to the tree.
זָ֑רַעseedN m sg abs · זֶרַע (H2233)Direct object of participle זֹרֵעַזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed'; parallel to i=9; seed-production qualifies trees for inclusion in the food grant.
לָכֶ֥םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffixDative of advantage (fronted for emphasis)prep לְ + 2mp suffix; fronted for emphasis — the provision is specifically designated for humanity.
יִֽהְיֶ֖הit shall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of apodosis→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — ongoing or future stateהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; imperfective declares the food grant as a standing ongoing provision.
לְאָכְלָֽהfor foodprep לְ + N f sg abs · אָכְלָה (H402)Predicate of purpose (complement of יִהְיֶה)אָכְלָה (H402) 'food, eating'; from אָכַל 'to eat'; prep לְ marks purpose of the divine grant.
30

וּֽלְכָל חַיַּ֣ת הָ֠אָרֶץ וּלְכָל ע֨וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם וּלְכֹ֣ל רוֹמֵ֣שׂ עַל הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁר בּוֹ֙ נֶ֣פֶשׁ חַיָּ֔ה אֶת כָּל יֶ֥רֶק עֵ֖שֶׂב לְאָכְלָ֑ה וַֽיְהִי כֵֽן

And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth in which there is life, every green plant shall be for food.' And it was so.

Coordinated continuation: provision extended to the animal worldוּלְכָל
The divine speech begun in v.29 continues without a new speech verb, widening the grant of food from humanity to the land animals, birds, and creeping things. The verse is compact and partly elliptical, carrying forward the verbal sense of the prior clause while contrasting human seed-bearing food with the animals' 'every green plant.'
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וּֽלְכָלand to everyconj וּ + prep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinating conj + prep (indirect obj)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; introduces totality of each category; opens first indirect-object group.
חַיַּ֣תbeast ofN f sg constr · חַיָּה (H2416)Construct head (first indirect object)חַיָּה (H2416) 'living creature, beast'; feminine of חַי; denotes wild land animals as a class.
הָ֠אָרֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitival noun in construct chainאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land, ground'; specifies the terrestrial domain of the land beasts.
וּלְכָלand to everyconj וּ + prep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Second coordinating conj + prep phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; second member extending the food grant to birds.
ע֨וֹףbird ofN m sg constr · עוֹף (H5775)Construct head (second indirect object)עוֹף (H5775) 'bird, winged creature'; collective noun from עוּף 'to fly'; creatures of day five.
הַשָּׁמַ֜יִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Genitival noun in construct chainשָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; dual form; aerial realm populated by birds on day five.
וּלְכֹ֣לand to everythingconj וּ + prep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Third coordinating conj + prep phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, everything'; third member including creeping creatures in the food grant.
רוֹמֵ֣שׂthat creepsQal ptc m sg abs · רָמַשׂ (H7430)Participial substantive (third indirect object)→ Participle: habitual ongoing creeping motionרָמַשׂ (H7430) 'to creep, move about'; denotes ground-dwelling creatures; cognate with רֶמֶשׂ (H7431).
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, over, on'; marks the earth's surface as the creeping creature's domain.
הָאָ֗רֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prep עַל (locative)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the terrestrial surface on which the creeping creatures move.
אֲשֶׁרin whichrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) general relativizer; introduces the qualifying clause 'living soul is within it.'
בּוֹ֙in itprep בְּ + 3ms suf · בְּLocative predicate within relative clausePrep בְּ + 3ms suffix; locates the living soul within each creeping animal; resumes אֲשֶׁר.
נֶ֣פֶשׁsoulN (c) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of relative clauseנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, being'; with חַיָּה forms 'living soul,' the animating life of every creature.
חַיָּ֔הlivingAdj f sg abs · חַי (H2416)Attributive adj modifying נֶפֶשׁחַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; modifying נֶפֶשׁ marks animate life in all sentient creatures.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks the food object as definite; untranslated.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head (direct object)כֹּל (H3605) 'every, all'; introduces the food category divinely granted to the animals.
יֶ֥רֶקgreenN m sg abs · יֶרֶק (H3418)Attributive noun in food phraseיֶרֶק (H3418) 'greenness, green herb'; from יָרַק 'to be green'; specifies vegetation for animal food.
עֵ֖שֶׂבherb/plantN m sg abs · עֵשֶׂב (H6212)Head noun of food objectעֵשֶׂב (H6212) 'herbage, plant'; with יֶרֶק forms a compound denoting green vegetation broadly.
לְאָכְלָ֑הfor foodprep לְ + N f sg abs · אָכְלָה (H402)Purpose prepositional phraseאָכְלָה (H402) 'food, nourishment'; from אָכַל 'to eat'; designates divinely assigned provision for animal life.
וַֽיְהִיand it wasconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; וַיְהִי כֵן is the fulfillment formula confirming the commanded order.
כֵֽןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Predicate adverb (fulfillment assertion)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; confirms immediate correspondence between divine command and created reality.
31

וַיַּ֤רְא אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֔ה וְהִנֵּה ט֖וֹב מְאֹ֑ד וַֽיְהִי עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי בֹ֖קֶר י֥וֹם הַשִּׁשִּֽׁי

And God saw all that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Narrative sequence: climactic evaluation and day-close for day sixוַיַּרְא
The verse gathers the whole chapter into a single comprehensive verdict: God sees not one element but 'all that he had made,' and the familiar good formula is intensified to 'very good.' The evening-morning refrain then closes the sixth day, now named with the article as 'the sixth day,' setting the completed work on the threshold of the Sabbath.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיַּ֤רְאand sawconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol main verb (climactic)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see, regard, evaluate'; God's evaluative gaze surveys the whole completed creation.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיַּרְאאֱלֹהִים (H430) plural in form, singular in referent; subject of the chapter's final comprehensive evaluation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks all creation as the definite object of God's evaluative gaze.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of direct objectכֹּל (H3605) 'all, the whole'; in construct with אֲשֶׁר comprehends everything created in vv.1–30.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) general relativizer; introduces 'which he had made,' completing the direct object.
עָשָׂ֔הhe had madeQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed totality of workעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do, produce'; encompasses all six days of God's creative activity.
וְהִנֵּהand beholdconj וְ + presentative · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (dramatic focus)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look!'; draws vivid attention to the verdict; heightens the evaluative force.
ט֖וֹבgoodAdj m sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Predicate adj (verbless clause)טוֹב (H2896) 'good, pleasant, fitting'; recurring evaluative term of Genesis 1; here intensified by מְאֹד.
מְאֹ֑דveryadv · מְאֹד (H3966)Intensifying adverb modifying טוֹבמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; unique intensification of the evaluation formula, applied only on day six.
וַֽיְהִיand there wasconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol (first day-close clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, come to pass'; first member of the evening-morning day-closure formula.
עֶ֥רֶבeveningN m sg abs · עֶרֶב (H6153)Subject of first וַיְהִיעֶרֶב (H6153) 'evening, dusk'; from עָרַב 'to grow dark'; marks the onset of the day boundary.
וַֽיְהִיand there wasconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol (second day-close clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, come to pass'; second member of the day-closure couplet, matching the first.
בֹ֖קֶרmorningN m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Subject of second וַיְהִיבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning, dawn'; from בָּקַר 'to seek'; paired with עֶרֶב to close each creation day.
י֥וֹםdayN m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Day label (construct with ordinal)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; in the day-closure formula marks the completed creative period of six.
הַשִּׁשִּֽׁיthe sixthart + ordinal adj m sg abs · שִׁשִּׁי (H8345)Ordinal in day-close formulaשִׁשִּׁי (H8345) 'sixth'; uniquely articulated (הַשִּׁשִּׁי), marking this as the climactic day before the Sabbath.