Genesis 1:14

“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:”

King James Version (KJV)

Other Translations

¶ And God said, Let there bee lights in the firmament of the heauen, to diuide the day from the night: and let them be for signes and for seasons, and for dayes and yeeres.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

Then God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years;
- New American Standard Version (1995)

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years:
- American Standard Version (1901)

And God said, Let there be lights in the arch of heaven, for a division between the day and the night, and let them be for signs, and for marking the changes of the year, and for days and for years:
- Basic English Bible

And God said, Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens, to divide between the day and the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years;
- Darby Bible

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven, to divide the day from the night: and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years.
- Webster's Bible

God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of sky to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years;
- World English Bible

And God saith, `Let luminaries be in the expanse of the heavens, to make a separation between the day and the night, then they have been for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years,
- Youngs Literal Bible

And God said: 'Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years;
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Bible commentary

Wesley's Notes for Genesis 1:14


1:14-19 This is the history of the fourth day's work, the creating the sun, moon and stars. Of this we have an account, In general, verse 14, 15. where we have, The command given concerning them. Let there be lights in the firmament of heaven - God had said, #Ge 1:3| Let there be light, and there was light; but that was, as it were, a chaos of light, scattered and confused; now it was collected and made into several luminaries, and so rendered both more glorious and more serviceable. The use they were intended to be of to this earth. They must be for the distinction of times, of day and night, summer and winter. They must be for the direction of actions: they are for signs of the change of weather, that the husbandman may order his affairs with discretion. They do also give light upon the earth - That we may walk #John 11:9 and work John 9:4| according as the duty of every day requires. The lights of heaven do not shine for themselves, nor for the world of spirits above, they need them not; but they shine for us, and for our pleasure and advantage. Lord, what is man that he should be thus regarded, #Ps 8:3|,4. In particular, #Ge 1:16|,17,18, The lights of heaven are the sun, moon and stars, and these all are the work of God's hands. The sun is the greatest light of all, and the most glorious and useful of all the lamps of heaven; a noble instance of the Creator's wisdom, power and goodness, and an invaluable blessing to the creatures of this lower world. The moon is a lesser light, and yet is here reckoned one of the greater lights, because, though in regard of its magnitude, it is inferior to many of the stars, yet in respect of its usefulness to the earth, it is more excellent than they. He made the stars also - Which are here spoken of only in general; for the scriptures were written not to gratify our curiosity, but to lead us to God. Now, these lights are said to rule, #Ge 1:16|,18; not that they have a supreme dominion as God has, but they are rulers under him. Here the lesser light, the moon, is said to rule the night; but #Ps 136:9 the stars are mentioned as sharers in that government|, the moon and stars to rule by night. No more is meant, but that they give light, #Jer 31:35|. The best and most honourable way of ruling is, by giving light, and doing good.


Discussion for Genesis 1:14

  • Elijah Alimian for verse 14
    The Hebrew word for signs in Genesis 1 14 is the word "oth " pronounced twa which means a signal literally or figuratively as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, mark, miracle, en sign or token. The Hebrew word for seasons in Genesis 1 14 on the other hand is the word "moade " or "moadim " which means an appointment, fixed time or season for a definite purpose , as appointed beforehand , set time, appointed time, due time. This tells us of God 's calendar which carries definite purposes and appointed or set times for us His children Psalms 102 13, 1Chro 12 32.
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  • Laurena for verse 14
    this explains that the universe/galaxy/milkyway is never millions or billions of years old...since God created the sun, moon and stars only after He had created the earth..how glorious is the Lord Most High...!how wonderful are the works of His hands, as the Psalmist said in Ps139..."how precious are your thoughts of Lord, how vast is the sum of them, were i to count them it will outnumber the grain of sand...?" who can fathom HIS greatness...the Creator of the heavens and the earth..
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  • Ryan Eru for verse 14
    The most important concept (I believe) for one to grasp in this verse is: That the sun, moon and stars were created AFTER the FIRST light in Genesis 1:3 and that God makes no reference to this FIRST light being "made" (And God said, Let there be light: and there was light) unlike the sun, moon and stars which are stated as being "made" in the following verses. I also believe there is a connection between the "lights in the firmament of the heaven" and the initial first light mentioned in Genesis 1:3 as they also are mentioned before the "making" of the stars.
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  • Carol Farmer for verse 14
    This passage of scripture is deep and straight to the point it says a lot and means a lot. I contemplated on ot for a while to make sure I understood what the scripture was saying. I found it to have broken down what God expected for us to know and that it was in the Hebrew tongue and should be understood as such. Praise God for a deeper understanding of his word. Amen.
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  • Dennis for verse 14
    Your understanding of the word season in Gen 1:14 is WRONG. The hebrew word for season is moed and does not measn , winter summer, autumn and spring, it means appointed times, festivals, assembly, These are appointed times for God's system of worship throughtout the year for mankind to observe.
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