Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.Genesis 1:1
What does Genesis 1:1 mean?
This opening verse of the Bible states simply that God created the heavens and the earth. It establishes God as the source and originator of everything that exists, before any of the details of the creation account that follow.
Context
Genesis 1:1 opens the entire Bible and the book of Genesis, traditionally attributed to Moses. It functions as a summary heading for the six-day creation account that follows in the rest of Genesis 1, introducing themes — God's power, order, and intention — that echo throughout the rest of Scripture.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
Bible study
- What does it mean that this verse serves as a kind of heading for the rest of the creation account?
- How does starting the whole Bible with God as Creator shape how you read everything that follows?
- What does 'in the beginning' suggest about time and God's relationship to it?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
Creator God, You spoke the heavens and earth into being. Help me to trust the One who has been at work since before the beginning of everything. Amen.
Memorize this verse
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
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Frequently asked questions
Who traditionally wrote Genesis?
Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses, as part of the first five books of the Bible (the Torah/Pentateuch).
How does Genesis 1:1 relate to the rest of the chapter?
It functions as an opening summary statement, introducing the detailed six-day creation account that follows through the rest of Genesis 1.