Day 5: Genesis 1:20-23 - Sea & Air 

Introduction

In the realm of biblical scholarship, Genesis 1:20-23 describes the fifth day of creation where Elohim commands the waters to teem with living creatures and the skies to be filled with birds. This passage is highly significant in the creation narrative, marking the introduction of animal life into the world. This passage holds profound theological import, introducing life. As such, this is a pivotal text and we explore Genesis 1: 20 – 23 through a lens that has been greatly informed by an in-depth study of the early parts of Genesis with Dr John Andrews, former principal of Mattersey that began in the summer of 2022 and my own studies informed by the work of Michael S. Heiser and Dwight Pryor, both scholars of blessed memory. It is fair to say that John Andrews and I had some significant difference in our reading of the text. This difference is becoming ever more marked in these verses. However, we walked as brothers in Christ and appreciated, I hope, the insights of each other's approach. This study is an attempt to offer an integrated linguistic, historical, and theological perspective giving a nuanced understanding of these foundational biblical passages.

Genesis 1:20-23 (Names of God version):

“Then Elohim said, ‘Let the water swarm with swimming creatures, and let birds fly through the sky over the earth.’ So Elohim created the large sea creatures, every type of creature that swims around in the water and every type of flying bird. Elohim saw that they were good. Elohim blessed them and said, ‘Be fertile, increase in number, fill the sea, and let there be many birds on the earth.’ There was evening, then morning—a fifth day.”

God’s good creation

The Hebrew word and terms used in this passage are critical. In this passage, the Hebrew word ‘nephesh’ (נֶפֶשׁ) is used for ‘living creature’, which is often translated as ‘soul’, ‘life’ or ‘lifebreath’ in other parts of the Bible. The use of ‘nephesh’ indicates that the creatures were endowed with life force, a concept that ancient readers would have understood as distinguishing living beings from inanimate objects.

Another distinctive word that is used is ‘sharatz’ (שָׁרַץ) for ‘swarm’ or ‘teem’, conveying the idea of prolific and abundant life filling the waters. This reflects the Hebrew understanding of creation as bringing forth life in abundance, not just the existence of individual species but an ecosystem teeming with life.

This reflects the Hebrew understanding of creation as bringing forth life in abundance, not just the existence of individual species but an ecosystem teeming with life.

We should also note that the creation of ‘great sea monsters’ (תַּנִּינִם, tanninim) has theological implications. In ancient Near Eastern mythology, sea monsters often represented chaos and evil. By including them in the creation narrative and declaring them ‘good’, Genesis subverts these myths, showing that even creatures perceived as chaotic are part of YHWH’s good creation.

God’s intention for life to thrive

There is a Hebraic worldview inherent within the Genesis creation account. The structure and language of Genesis 1’s Hebrew reflects an Elohim both transcendent and immanent, involved in the minutiae of creation while also overarching the entire cosmos.

We must highlight the blessing given to the creatures to “be fruitful and multiply”, linking this divine command to a central theme in Hebrew thought: the perpetuation and flourishing of life. This blessing is not merely a biological instruction but a theological affirmation of YHWH’s intention for life to thrive and for creation to fulfil its potential.

Also inherent is the harmony between the different realms of creation. The separation of waters and the establishment of skies on earlier days sets the stage for this day’s creative acts. The filling of these realms with life demonstrates a systematic and purposeful order in creation, reflecting YHWH’s wisdom and sovereignty.

The filling of these realms with life demonstrates a systematic and purposeful order in creation, reflecting YHWH’s wisdom and sovereignty.

Overview

These combined insights provide a robust understanding of Genesis 1:20-23. Digging into the Hebrew language deepens our appreciation of the text’s linguistic and cultural context, aligning with a Hebraic worldview enriches our understanding of the theological themes.

The creation of marine life and birds signifies more than the mere addition of new species; it symbolises the fullness and diversity of life. The use of specific terms underscores the vitality and dynamism of Elohim’s creation. Furthermore, the inclusion of creatures like the ‘great sea monsters’ demonstrates the comprehensive scope of Elohim’s creative authority, extending even to entities associated with ancient myths of chaos.

The divine blessing to be fruitful and multiply highlights the Elohim’s desire for life to flourish. This blessing is a recurring motif in Genesis, seen later in YHWH’s covenants with Noah and Abraham, indicating a continuous theme of life and growth in YHWH’s plan.

Conclusion

Genesis 1:20-23 offers profound insights into the nature of Elohim’s creation, emphasising abundance, diversity, and the intrinsic goodness of all creatures. Through the lens employed, we gain a deeper understanding of the text’s linguistic richness and theological depth. These verses invite us to marvel at the complexity and intentionality of the created world, reflecting YHWH’s wisdom and care in every aspect of life.

By studying these passages with scholarly insights, we can appreciate the Genesis creation narrative not only as a historical or mythological account but as a foundational text that speaks to the relationship between the Creator and the created, the order of the cosmos, and the purposeful design behind the world we inhabit.