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Bible verse
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
What it means
Everything begins with God, who spoke the heavens and the earth into being. Before there was anything, there was Him, and all we see flows from His will. This opening truth roots our whole story in a Maker who is purposeful and good. The One through whom all things were made is the Word, Christ Himself, present at the beginning. To know that we are created, not accidental, gives our lives weight and direction. We belong to the God who started it all.
Genesis 1:1 at a glance
| Reference | Genesis 1:1 |
|---|---|
| Book | Genesis |
| Chapter to read it in | Genesis 1 |
| Topic | faith |
| Passages linked to it | 10 |
| Translation on this page | King James Version (public domain) |
Read it in context
Read it beside its neighbours. These are the passages readers most often set next to this one.
- John 1:1-3
- Hebrews 11:3
- Isaiah 45:18
- Revelation 4:11
- Hebrews 1:10
- Colossians 1:16-17
- Isaiah 42:5
- Exodus 20:11
- Job 38:4
- Acts 17:24
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info, used under CC BY.
Questions people ask
Where do I find Genesis 1:1?
It is in Genesis, in Genesis 1. Reading the whole chapter shows who is speaking, to whom, and why.
What other passages go with Genesis 1:1?
Readers most often set it beside John 1:1-3, Hebrews 11:3, Isaiah 45:18, Revelation 4:11. Each is listed under Read it in context.
How can I pray Genesis 1:1?
Read it slowly once, then say it back to God in your own words, one phrase at a time. Stop on the phrase that stays with you and stay there. You can also ask the family of God on The Living Bread to pray it with you.
Pray this
Father, you are already present in Genesis 1:1, before any of us arrive. We bring you Genesis 1:1, faith. Make us people who love one another there. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Live this
Three small things you can do this week.
- Read all of Genesis 1 today, not only the one verse.
- Write Genesis 1:1 where you will see it, and read it aloud at the start and end of the day.
- Tell one person what this verse means to you, and ask what verse has carried them.
Where this fits in the walk with Christ
Christ meets people in a place, and then walks on with them. Here are doors that walk on.
Read it, pray it, live it
On The Living Bread you can read the whole chapter, save this verse, ask Simon to explain it, pray it over your life, and share it with someone who needs it today.
