What does "very good" in Genesis 1:31 reveal about God's nature? Setting the Scene Genesis 1 brings us to the close of the sixth day. One verse captures God’s verdict: Genesis 1:31 (Berean Standard Bible) “And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.” Key Observations • God Himself does the evaluating—no outside standard judges His work. • “Very good” (me’od tov) intensifies the earlier “good” statements (vv. 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25). • The declaration follows the creation of humanity (vv. 26-27), crowning the week. • The phrase comes before any hint of sin or corruption. What “Very Good” Reveals About God’s Nature • Complete perfection – Nothing lacking or needing revision. – God finishes what He starts; His craftsmanship is flawless from the outset. • Moral purity – “Very good” isn’t merely functional quality; it includes moral excellence. – The Creator’s character is the standard for goodness; He cannot produce anything morally tainted. • Personal satisfaction – God delights in His work. His pleasure shows He is not distant or indifferent. – Delight signals a relational God who engages with creation and pronounces blessing over it. • Sovereign authority – Only the absolute Ruler can pronounce a binding verdict on all reality. – His word defines reality; when He says “very good,” reality conforms to that decree. • Generous benevolence – Creation is a gift for the benefit of its inhabitants, reflecting a God who enjoys giving what is beautiful and life-sustaining. – Humanity enters a world already brimming with divine kindness. • Consistency and reliability – Six times God said “good,” then “very good”—showing unwavering consistency. – The same God remains dependable in every era; His nature does not fluctuate. Implications for Believers Today • Trust in a flawlessly wise Designer who knows what is best for His creation. • Rest in the moral goodness of God; His commands arise from the same good character. • Rejoice that God delights in His works—and therefore delights in redeemed people. • Reflect His goodness by caring for creation and upholding moral purity in daily life. |
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