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Book of Genesis - Chapter 1 - Verse 10

1:10
And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Genesis in the Bible describes the moment when God created the dry land and the seas. In this passage, God names the dry land "Earth" and the waters "Seas", signifying his dominion over all of creation. By naming these elements, God establishes order and purpose in the world he has created. The act of naming in the Bible is often associated with authority and ownership, so by naming the land and seas, God is asserting his power over them. Additionally, the phrase "and God saw that it was good" emphasizes the perfection of God's creation, highlighting his wisdom and benevolence. This verse reminds us of God's sovereignty over the earth and his care for his creation, setting the stage for the rest of the biblical narrative.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of the verse where God names the dry land Earth and the waters Seas is that it emphasizes God's sovereignty and creativity. By naming the elements of the earth, God establishes his authority over creation and demonstrates his power to bring order out of chaos. The act of naming also signifies God's intimate relationship with his creation, as naming is often seen as a form of recognition and care. Additionally, the phrase "and God saw that it was good" underscores the belief that all of creation is ultimately pleasing to God and reflects his divine wisdom and goodness. In terms of word studies, the Hebrew word for "earth" is 'eretz,' which can also mean "land" or "ground," emphasizing the physicality and materiality of creation. The word for "seas" is 'yamim,' which can refer to large bodies of water or the concept of chaos and mystery, highlighting the dual nature of the waters as both life-giving and potentially destructive. Overall, this verse highlights God's power as creator and sustainer of the world, and invites readers to marvel at the beauty and complexity of his handiwork.

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