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

GENESIS 1:10KJV
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Genesis 1:10 (KJV)

What does Genesis 1:10 mean?

Genesis 1:10 describes how God named the dry land “Earth” and the gathered waters “Seas,” and then declared that what He had made was good. This verse shows God organizing the world by giving names and recognizing the goodness of His creation.

In this part of Genesis, God is speaking as the Creator, shaping the world out of chaos. The act of naming the land and seas highlights God’s authority and care in bringing order. The statement that “God saw that it was good” emphasizes that the physical world, as God arranged it, meets His standard and purpose.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 1:10

  • אֱלֹהִים (’Elohim): This is the Hebrew word for “God” used throughout Genesis 1. It carries a sense of majesty and power, underscoring God’s role as the supreme Creator in this passage.
  • קָרָא (qara’): Translated “called,” this word means to name or designate. God’s act of naming shows authority and intentionality, not just labeling but assigning purpose and identity.
  • יַבָּשָׁה (yabbashah): This word, translated “dry,” refers to dry land as distinct from the waters. Its use marks the separation and distinction God makes in creation.
  • יָם (yam): Translated “Seas,” this word refers to the gathered bodies of water. The plural form here points to the various seas or large bodies of water, not just one.
  • טוֹב (tov): Translated “good,” this word means something is fitting, beautiful, or as it should be. God’s declaration that creation is “good” affirms its value and completeness.

Why Genesis 1:10 matters

  • Genesis 1:10 clarifies that the physical world—both land and sea—is intentionally created and valued by God, countering any idea that matter is accidental or unimportant.
  • The act of naming in Genesis 1:10 highlights God’s authority and the orderliness of creation, which is a recurring theme in the chapter.
  • By stating that creation is “good,” Genesis 1:10 sets a pattern for the rest of the creation account, showing that each stage of God’s work meets His purpose and approval.