Genesis 1:3 web — God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

World English Bible

"God said, "Let there be light," and there was light."

— Genesis 1:3, World English Bible

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Genesis 1:3 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

KJV
“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”
King James Version · Read this chapter in KJV
ASV
“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. ”
American Standard Version · Read this chapter in ASV
NET
“God said,“Let there be light.” And there was light!”
NET Bible · Read this chapter in NET
DRB
“And God said: Be light made. And light was made.”
Douay-Rheims Bible · Read this chapter in DRB
BBE
“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”
Bible in Basic English · Read this chapter in BBE
KJVA
“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”
King James Version with Apocrypha · Read this chapter in KJVA

Genesis 1 — Context

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Now the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep. God's Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters.

God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

God saw the light, and saw that it was good. God divided the light from the darkness.

God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." There was evening and there was morning, one day.

God said, "Let there be an expanse in the middle of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters."

Genesis 1:3 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions

What does Genesis 1:3 say?

Genesis 1:3 in the World English Bible reads: “God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.”

Where is Genesis 1:3 in the Bible?

Genesis 1:3 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 1, verse 3.

Who wrote Genesis?

Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Anciently attributed to Moses; many modern scholars view Genesis as a compilation of older oral and written sources finalized in or after the Babylonian exile. It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.

What is the book of Genesis about?

Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, and the covenant family God chose to bless the nations. It traces creation, the fall, the flood, and the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, laying the foundation for the rest of Scripture and pointing forward to the redemption that comes through the promised seed.

What are the major themes of Genesis?

Genesis explores themes including Creation, Fall, Covenant, Faith, Family, Promise. These themes shape the meaning and context of Genesis 1:3.

What translation should I read Genesis 1:3 in?

Genesis 1:3 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.

How can I memorize Genesis 1:3?

Genesis 1:3 reads (WEB): “God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.

Genesis 1:3 web — God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

Read in Another Translation

Genesis 1:3 in Other Translations

Genesis 1 — Context

Genesis 1:3 — Frequently Asked Questions

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