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Genesis 1:4 web — God saw the light, and saw that it was good. God divided the light from the darkness.

World English Bible

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

— Genesis 1:4, World English Bible

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What does this verse mean?

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Genesis 1 — Context

1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

2

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.

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

God made the expanse, and divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so.

Genesis 1:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 1:4 say?
Genesis 1:4 in the World English Bible reads: “God saw the light, and saw that it was good. God divided the light from the darkness.”
Where is Genesis 1:4 in the Bible?
Genesis 1:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 1, verse 4.
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 1:4.
What translation should I read Genesis 1:4 in?
Genesis 1:4 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 1:4?
Genesis 1:4 reads (WEB): “God saw the light, and saw that it was good. God divided the light from the darkness.” 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.
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