Genesis 1:20 darby — AndGod said, Let the waters swarm with swarms of living souls, and let fowl fly above the earth in the expanse of the h…

Darby Bible

“AndGod said, Let the waters swarm with swarms of living souls, and let fowl fly above the earth in the expanse of the heavens.”

— Genesis 1:20, Darby Bible

What does this verse mean?

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Genesis 1:20 in Other Translations

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Genesis 1 — Context

17

AndGod set them in the expanse of the heavens, to give light on the earth,

18

and to rule during the day and during the night, and to divide between the light and the darkness. AndGod saw that it was good.

19

And there was evening, and there was morning — a fourth day.

20

AndGod said, Let the waters swarm with swarms of living souls, and let fowl fly above the earth in the expanse of the heavens.

21

AndGod created the great sea monsters, and every living soul that moves with which the waters swarm, after their kind, and every winged fowl after its kind. AndGod saw that it was good.

22

AndGod blessed them, saying, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply on the earth.

23

And there was evening, and there was morning — a fifth day.

Genesis 1:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 1:20 say?
Genesis 1:20 in the Darby Bible reads: “AndGod said, Let the waters swarm with swarms of living souls, and let fowl fly above the earth in the expanse of the heavens. ”
Where is Genesis 1:20 in the Bible?
Genesis 1:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 1, verse 20.
Who wrote Genesis?
Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Anciently attributed to Moses; many modern scholars view Genesis as a compilation of older oral and written sources finalized in or after the Babylonian exile. It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Genesis about?
Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, and the covenant family God chose to bless the nations. It traces creation, the fall, the flood, and the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, laying the foundation for the rest of Scripture and pointing forward to the redemption that comes through the promised seed.
What are the major themes of Genesis?
Genesis explores themes including Creation, Fall, Covenant, Faith, Family, Promise. These themes shape the meaning and context of Genesis 1:20.
What translation should I read Genesis 1:20 in?
Genesis 1:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Genesis 1:20?
Genesis 1:20 reads (DARBY): “AndGod said, Let the waters swarm with swarms of living souls, and let fowl fly above the earth in the expanse of the heavens. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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