“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1

Many people start reading Genesis at the beginning of the year, eager to understand the creation story and its significance. But Genesis 1 isn’t just about how the world began—it reveals who God is, why He created us, and what it means for us today.

In this study on Genesis 1, we’ll take a slow and intentional look at the meaning behind creation, the original Hebrew words, and how this passage still applies to our daily lives.

Why Genesis 1 Matters More Than Ever

It’s easy to read the first chapter of Genesis and quickly move on. But if we rush, we miss the depth of what’s happening.

     •           What does “In the beginning” really mean?

     •           Why does the Bible say God hovered over the waters?

     •           How does Genesis 1 align with science and faith?

Instead of viewing Genesis 1 as just a timeline of creation, we need to see it as an invitation—an invitation to know God, trust His purpose, and find our place in His story.

Understanding Genesis 1 Through Hebrew Context

When reading the Bible, context matters. Genesis wasn’t written in English—it was written in ancient Hebrew for the Israelite people, who understood the world differently than we do.

For example, the Hebrew word bara, translated as “created,” doesn’t mean to build from nothing. Instead, it focuses on assigning roles and bringing order. Genesis isn’t just about making physical things—it’s about God giving meaning, purpose, and function to His creation.

Even the phrase “In the beginning” in Hebrew refers to a span of time, not just a single moment. This shifts our perspective from a strict scientific timeline to God’s intentional design for the world.

The Spirit of God Hovering Over the Waters

Genesis 1:2 describes the Spirit of God moving over the waters. The Hebrew word for Spirit is ruach, which also means breath or wind. This is the same word used when God breathes life into Adam in Genesis 2 and when the dry bones come to life in Ezekiel 37.

The word “hovering” gives the image of a broody hen protecting her eggs—a picture of God’s care, closeness, and intentional design. From the very first verses, we see that God is not distant. He is near, present, and actively working in His creation.

What Does “Let There Be Light” Mean?

One of the most well-known verses in the Bible is Genesis 1:3:

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”

But this isn’t just about physical light like the sun. The Hebrew word for “day” (yom) has multiple meanings. Depending on the context, it can refer to daylight hours, a 24-hour day, or even a longer period of time.

For the Israelites, light was not just about the sun. They would have understood light as something that was present before sunrise, like the glow of a lantern or the reflection of the moon. The creation of light in Genesis 1 was about establishing order—setting the rhythm of day and night, which became the foundation of time itself.

The Purpose of Creation

Genesis 1 is not primarily concerned with the mechanics of how the world was made. Instead, it shows us that God is a God of order, not chaos. He created with intention, assigning roles and purposes to everything.

This perspective helps bridge the gap between faith and science. While science seeks to explain how things happen, Genesis explains why they happen. These two perspectives don’t have to be in conflict—rather, they work together to show us the depth of God’s wisdom.

What This Means for Us Today

Genesis 1 isn’t just about the past—it’s about the present.

     •           The same God who spoke order into the world can bring order into your life.

     •           The Spirit that hovered over the waters is still present, breathing life into you today.

     •           The Creator who assigned purpose to the stars and the seas has given you a purpose, too.

When life feels chaotic, when uncertainty creeps in, remember: God is near. He hovers. He cares.

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You for the reminder that You are a God of order, purpose, and presence. In the moments when life feels chaotic, help me trust that You are near. Just as You hovered over the waters in creation, hover over my life today. Bring clarity where there is confusion, peace where there is unrest, and hope where there is uncertainty. I surrender my plans to You, knowing that Your design is always better. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To hear more, listen to the full episode of the Hearing Jesus Podcast here: In the Beginning

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