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Genesis 1:21 - Divine sea creatures' creation.

Genesis 1:21 - בראשית 1:21

Hebrew Text

וַיִּבְרָא אֱלֹהִים אֶת־הַתַּנִּינִם הַגְּדֹלִים וְאֵת כָּל־נֶפֶשׁ הַחַיָּה הָרֹמֶשֶׂת אֲשֶׁר שָׁרְצוּ הַמַּיִם לְמִינֵהֶם וְאֵת כָּל־עוֹף כָּנָף לְמִינֵהוּ וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים כִּי־טוֹב׃

English Translation

And God created the great crocodiles, and every living creature that moves, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind: and God saw that it was good.

Transliteration

Va'yivra Elohim et-ha'taninim ha'g'dolim v'et kol-nefesh ha'chayah ha'romeset asher shartzu ha'mayim l'minehem v'et kol-of kanaf l'minehu va'yar Elohim ki-tov.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּבְרָ֣א אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶת־הַתַּנִּינִ֖ם הַגְּדֹלִ֑ים וְאֵ֣ת כׇּל־נֶ֣פֶשׁ הַֽחַיָּ֣ה <small>׀</small> הָֽרֹמֶ֡שֶׂת אֲשֶׁר֩ שָׁרְצ֨וּ הַמַּ֜יִם לְמִֽינֵהֶ֗ם וְאֵ֨ת כׇּל־ע֤וֹף כָּנָף֙ לְמִינֵ֔הוּ וַיַּ֥רְא אֱלֹהִ֖ים כִּי־טֽוֹב׃
וַיִּבְרָ֣א אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶת־הַתַּנִּינִ֖ם הַגְּדֹלִ֑ים וְאֵ֣ת כׇּל־נֶ֣פֶשׁ הַֽחַיָּ֣ה ׀ הָֽרֹמֶ֡שֶׂת אֲשֶׁר֩ שָׁרְצ֨וּ הַמַּ֜יִם לְמִֽינֵהֶ֗ם וְאֵ֨ת כׇּל־ע֤וֹף כָּנָף֙ לְמִינֵ֔הוּ וַיַּ֥רְא אֱלֹהִ֖ים כִּי־טֽוֹב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Creation of the Great Sea Creatures (הַתַּנִּינִם הַגְּדֹלִים)

Rashi explains that the term "הַתַּנִּינִם הַגְּדֹלִים" refers to the great sea creatures, specifically the Leviathan and its mate, which were created on the fifth day (Rashi on Bereishit 1:21). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 7:4) elaborates that these creatures were so immense that Hashem had to destroy one of them to prevent them from overwhelming the world, preserving only the male Leviathan for the future feast of the righteous in the World to Come.

Creation According to Their Kinds (לְמִינֵהֶם)

The Torah emphasizes that each creature was created "לְמִינֵהֶם" (according to their kinds). Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:19) explains that this phrase underscores the fixed and unchanging nature of species, reflecting the divine wisdom in creation. The Talmud (Chullin 127a) further notes that this principle extends to the prohibition of crossbreeding different species (Kilayim), reinforcing the boundaries set by Hashem in nature.

The Abundance of Living Creatures (נֶפֶשׁ הַחַיָּה הָרֹמֶשֶׂת)

The phrase "נֶפֶשׁ הַחַיָּה הָרֹמֶשֶׂת" refers to all living creatures that swarm in the waters. The Sforno comments that this includes not only fish but also smaller aquatic organisms, highlighting the diversity and abundance of life created by Hashem. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 3b) teaches that even the smallest creatures fulfill a purpose in the divine plan.

Birds of the Sky (עוֹף כָּנָף)

The creation of winged birds ("עוֹף כָּנָף") is also mentioned here. Rashi notes that although birds were created from water (like sea creatures), they were later formed from earth as well (Bereishit 2:19). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 12:14) suggests that birds symbolize the connection between heaven and earth, as they dwell in the sky yet depend on the ground.

Divine Approval (וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים כִּי־טוֹב)

The verse concludes with "וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים כִּי־טוֹב"—Hashem saw that it was good. The Ramban explains that this phrase signifies the completion and perfection of each stage of creation. The Talmud (Megillah 10b) teaches that "טוֹב" (good) refers to the attribute of divine mercy, indicating that creation was infused with kindness and balance.

  • Rashi: The "great crocodiles" are the Leviathan and its mate, with one preserved for the future.
  • Rambam: "According to their kinds" reflects the unchanging nature of species.
  • Sforno: The "living creatures" include all aquatic life, great and small.
  • Midrash: Birds bridge heaven and earth in their existence.
  • Ramban: "It was good" signifies the perfection of each creative act.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 127a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the creation of sea creatures and the categorization of animals.
📖 Bava Batra 74b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the great sea creatures (taninim) and their creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'great crocodiles' mentioned in Genesis 1:21?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish commentators, the 'great crocodiles' (תנינים גדולים) refer to large sea creatures created on the fifth day of Creation. Some Midrashim (like Bereishit Rabbah) suggest these may include the legendary Leviathan, a massive sea creature mentioned in later biblical texts.
Q: Why does the verse say 'God saw that it was good' after creating sea creatures and birds?
A: The phrase 'God saw that it was good' appears after each stage of Creation to show that everything was created according to God's perfect plan. Rambam explains that this teaches us the inherent goodness and purposefulness of all creation. The Sforno adds that each creature perfectly fulfills its role in the ecosystem.
Q: What is the significance of creatures being created 'after their kind'?
A: The repetition of 'after their kind' (למינה) teaches that each species was created with distinct characteristics that would continue in their offspring. The Talmud (Chullin 60a) derives from this that crossbreeding different species is prohibited, as it interferes with the natural order God established in Creation.
Q: Why are sea creatures and birds grouped together in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that both sea creatures and birds were created on the fifth day of Creation because they share certain similarities - both move through their respective elements (water and air). The Midrash Tanchuma notes this shows God's wisdom in creating creatures suited to their environments.
Q: How does this verse relate to environmental responsibility today?
A: Since God declared these creatures 'good' and created them with purpose, Jewish tradition teaches we must respect all creatures. The Ramban derives from this the prohibition of unnecessary destruction (bal tashchit). The Sefer HaChinuch connects this to treating animals humanely and preserving biodiversity.