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Genesis 1:20 - Life swarms in waters, skies

Genesis 1:20 - בראשית 1:20

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים יִשְׁרְצוּ הַמַּיִם שֶׁרֶץ נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה וְעוֹף יְעוֹפֵף עַל־הָאָרֶץ עַל־פְּנֵי רְקִיעַ הַשָּׁמָיִם׃

English Translation

And God said, Let the waters swarm abundantly with moving creatures that have life, and let birds fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Elohim yishr'tzu hamayim sheretz nefesh chaya v'of y'ofef al-ha'aretz al-p'nei r'kia hashamayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֔ים יִשְׁרְצ֣וּ הַמַּ֔יִם שֶׁ֖רֶץ נֶ֣פֶשׁ חַיָּ֑ה וְעוֹף֙ יְעוֹפֵ֣ף עַל־הָאָ֔רֶץ עַל־פְּנֵ֖י רְקִ֥יעַ הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֔ים יִשְׁרְצ֣וּ הַמַּ֔יִם שֶׁ֖רֶץ נֶ֣פֶשׁ חַיָּ֑ה וְעוֹף֙ יְעוֹפֵ֣ף עַל־הָאָ֔רֶץ עַל־פְּנֵ֖י רְקִ֥יעַ הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Creation of Water Creatures and Birds

The verse (Bereishit 1:20) describes Hashem's command for the waters to bring forth living creatures and for birds to fly across the expanse of the sky. Rashi explains that the term "יִשְׁרְצוּ" (yishr'tzu) implies rapid and abundant proliferation, indicating that these creatures were created with the ability to multiply swiftly. The phrase "נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה" (nefesh chayah) refers to creatures possessing a higher level of vitality, distinguishing them from plant life.

The Dual Nature of Birds

The Ramban notes an apparent contradiction in the verse: birds are commanded to fly "עַל־הָאָרֶץ" (above the earth) yet also "עַל־פְּנֵי רְקִיעַ הַשָּׁמָיִם" (across the expanse of the heavens). He resolves this by explaining that birds inhabit both domains—some dwell near the earth (like chickens), while others soar high in the sky (like eagles). This reflects the diversity in Hashem's creation.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (4:6) teaches that the creatures of the water were created from water itself, emphasizing that each element of creation was formed from its respective domain.
  • Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer (5) states that the birds were created with the ability to fly immediately, demonstrating the instantaneous fulfillment of Hashem's word.

Kabbalistic Perspective

The Zohar (Bereishit 1:20a) interprets the phrase "שֶׁרֶץ נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה" (sheretz nefesh chayah) as hinting at the spiritual vitality embedded within all living creatures. The waters symbolize the hidden depths of divine wisdom, from which life emerges in abundance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 27b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the creation of living creatures and the permissibility of certain types of animals for consumption.
📖 Bereishit Rabbah 7:4
The verse is cited in a midrashic interpretation discussing the abundance and diversity of life created by God in the waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 1:20 mean?
A: Genesis 1:20 describes the fifth day of creation, where Hashem commands the waters to bring forth an abundance of living creatures (fish and sea animals) and for birds to fly in the sky. Rashi explains that 'sheretz' refers to small swarming creatures in water, while 'nefesh chayah' indicates creatures with a higher level of vitality. The verse emphasizes Hashem's power in creating diverse life forms.
Q: Why is the creation of sea creatures and birds important in Genesis 1:20?
A: The creation of sea creatures and birds is significant because it shows Hashem's wisdom in filling each realm of creation with life. The Rambam teaches that observing these creatures helps us recognize the Creator's greatness. Additionally, the Talmud (Chullin 27b) discusses how kosher signs for fish and birds originate from this moment in creation.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 1:20 today?
A: We learn that Hashem intentionally created a diverse world with purpose. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) notes that even creatures we might consider insignificant play a role in the ecosystem. This teaches us to appreciate all of Hashem's creations and recognize that everything has value in His world.
Q: How does Genesis 1:20 connect to kosher laws?
A: This verse introduces the concept of creatures that live in water and fly in the air, which later ties into the kosher laws in the Torah. The Talmud (Niddah 51b) derives from here that kosher fish must have fins and scales, while kosher birds are identified through tradition based on characteristics hinted at in creation.
Q: Why does the verse say 'let the waters swarm' instead of just creating the creatures?
A: Rashi explains that the term 'yishretzu' (shall swarm) implies rapid and abundant reproduction, showing Hashem's blessing for these creatures to multiply quickly. The Sforno adds that this language indicates these creatures would be dependent on their watery environment, unlike land animals created later.