Verse: Genesis 1:20
Theme: The Creation of Life in the Waters and Skies
And God said Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven
— Genesis 1:20, King James Version (KJV)
And God said Let the water teem with living creatures and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky
— Genesis 1:20, New International Version (NIV)
Then God said Let the waters swarm with fish and other life Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind
— Genesis 1:20, New Living Translation (NLT)
Meaning of Genesis 1:20
Genesis 1:20 marks the beginning of the fifth day in the biblical account of creation. It introduces a major moment where life begins to move. Before this verse, creation was filled with light, sky, dry land, vegetation, sun, moon, and stars, but it lacked living creatures. Here, God commands the waters and the skies to teem with life. The phrase “bring forth abundantly” or “swarm with life” points to a divine design of fullness, multiplication, and activity.
This is the first time in the Genesis narrative that God creates beings with the breath of life in them. The sea is filled with an abundance of moving creatures, and the sky welcomes the flight of birds. This dynamic scene reflects God’s intention not only to fill the world but to animate it. Creation becomes alive in a new way.
The waters obey God’s voice and produce living creatures. The skies respond to His will, and birds appear in the firmament. This tells us something profound about God’s creative power. He speaks, and life responds. He commands, and the previously silent world begins to move with living purpose. Genesis 1:20 is a turning point that emphasizes the richness of God’s design and His love for life in all its diversity.
Popular Words of Wisdom From Genesis 1:20
The first flutter of wings and the first ripple in the deep waters were born not of chance but of command Divine instruction filled the world with movement
— Charles Spurgeon
Life is not random The God who told the seas to teem and the skies to fly is the same God who gives your life meaning
— Tim Keller
The beauty of birds in the sky and fish in the sea speaks of a God who delights in both order and creativity
— A W Tozer
Explaining the Context of Genesis 1:20
Genesis chapter one is carefully structured to show a deliberate unfolding of creation. Days one through three involve forming. Days four through six focus on filling. In verse 20, we begin the filling stage of day five. The first three days introduced light, the separation of waters and skies, dry land, and vegetation. Then, on the fourth day, God created the sun, moon, and stars to rule over time. Now, with the world properly arranged, God begins to populate it with living beings.
Verse 20 comes before the creation of land animals and humans. It shows that God began by filling the waters and the skies. This order is not accidental. It mirrors the spaces God had already formed. He filled the sky with lights, and now He fills it with birds. He gathered the seas, and now He fills them with creatures that swim and move freely.
This verse also reflects God’s generous heart. The command was not just to produce creatures but to bring them forth abundantly. God’s design is never minimal or reluctant. He blesses creation with vibrancy and motion. The use of words like teem, swarm, and move illustrates the lively and energetic nature of God’s handiwork.
Explaining the Key Parts of Genesis 1:20
And God said
This phrase is repeated throughout Genesis chapter one, and each time it underscores the authority and power of God’s Word. He does not build or carve the creatures. He speaks, and it happens. The act of speaking creation into existence reflects God’s sovereign control and creative will. His Word alone has the power to bring life where none existed before.
Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life
The waters are commanded to produce a multitude of living things. This includes fish, sea mammals, and all aquatic life forms. The word abundantly implies overflow and richness. The ocean becomes a stage for God’s creativity. From the smallest plankton to the largest whale, all marine life begins with this divine utterance.
The phrase “that hath life” is also deeply meaningful. It signals the introduction of nephesh — a Hebrew term often associated with soul or living being. This is not just a matter of moving. It is animated life, aware and responsive. God’s desire is not only to fill space but to fill it with beings that live.
And fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven
God now speaks life into the sky. Birds of every kind appear. From the eagle soaring in the high places to the tiny hummingbird flitting among flowers, all take flight by the power of God’s command. This movement from sea to sky reflects a pattern of elevation in creation. God starts with the depths and moves to the heights, covering the entire range of existence.
The phrase “open firmament of heaven” reminds us that the skies are not empty but designed to carry life. This is not just a poetic image. It is a declaration of structure and support. The sky is a creation filled with activity, sound, and beauty. All of it stems from the word of God.
Lessons to Learn From Genesis 1:20
1. God Is the Source of All Life
Genesis 1:20 teaches that life begins with God. The seas did not evolve on their own, nor did birds rise from the ground by accident. God spoke, and life began. This truth gives us both confidence and humility. Confidence, because we know we are part of a larger divine plan. Humility, because we recognize that life is a gift, not a product of our own making.
2. Creation Responds to God’s Voice
The waters and skies obey. They do not question or delay. They bring forth exactly what God commands. This shows the power of God’s Word and invites us to respond in the same way. When God speaks to us through Scripture, we are called to respond with obedience and trust, just as creation did.
3. God Loves Diversity and Movement
The language of teeming and flying suggests a God who enjoys variety and vibrancy. His creation is not plain or rigid. It is full of wonder, beauty, and motion. This teaches us that God’s will for the world is not dull uniformity but joyful diversity.
4. Purpose Comes From God’s Design
The creatures in the water and the birds in the sky are not aimless. They are created with environments to occupy and roles to fulfill. In the same way, our lives are not without purpose. God created us to thrive in the space He prepared for us. Like the fish and the birds, we are most alive when we operate within His design.
5. Abundance Is Part of God’s Character
The verse does not say let the waters bring forth a few creatures. It says abundantly. This tells us something about the heart of God. He does not give sparingly. He provides in full measure. Whether in nature or grace, His generosity knows no limits.
Related Bible Verses
O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches So is this great and wide sea wherein are things creeping innumerable both small and great beasts
— Psalm 104:24 to 25, King James Version (KJV)
Thou even thou art Lord alone thou hast made heaven the heaven of heavens with all their host the earth and all things that are therein the seas and all that is therein and thou preservest them all and the host of heaven worshippeth thee
— Nehemiah 9:6, King James Version (KJV)
Let heaven and earth praise him the seas and every thing that moveth therein
— Psalm 69:34, King James Version (KJV)
In whose hand is the soul of every living thing and the breath of all mankind
— Job 12:10, King James Version (KJV)
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings and not one of them is forgotten before God
— Luke 12:6, King James Version (KJV)
How This Verse Points to Christ
Genesis 1:20 introduces life into a world that was previously still. The waters begin to move with fish. The skies flutter with wings. This outward motion reflects an inward truth that is later fulfilled in Christ. Just as God brought forth life through His word in creation, Jesus brings forth new life through the word of the Gospel.
In John 1, Christ is described as the Word through whom all things were made. He was present at creation and active in it. The same power that filled the seas with creatures now fills our hearts with the Spirit of life.
Jesus also walked on water and calmed the seas. He called His first disciples from among fishermen and said, I will make you fishers of men. This connection to the sea was not random. It was rooted in the same authority that spoke the waters into abundance.
The birds of the air, like the sparrows, are remembered by Christ when He speaks of God’s care for all life. Not one of them falls without the Father knowing. Genesis 1:20 shows that all living things are part of God’s design. Christ later confirms that we are of even more value and invites us into the life that only He can give.
Closing Reflection
Genesis 1:20 is a song of motion. It tells of a moment when God filled the world with movement and breath. The deep waters began to stir. The open sky welcomed wings. Life as we know it took its first active steps under the command of a Creator who delights in both structure and spontaneity.
This verse reminds us that God is not distant. He is involved in the forming and filling of all things. He delights in seeing His world teem with life. And He still calls forth abundance today, in our families, in our work, in our spirits.
May we never forget that we serve the same God who called the waters to swarm and the sky to sing with flight. He still speaks. He still brings life. And He still delights in creating something beautiful in and through us.
Say This Prayer
Creator God
Thank You for the gift of life that surrounds me. Thank You for the seas full of mystery and the skies full of wonder. I praise You for the order and joy You brought into the world on that fifth day.
Teach me to listen to Your voice as the waters and skies did. Fill me with the same abundance You poured into creation. Let my life reflect Your purpose and bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.