Genesis 1:30

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 1:30 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the heavens, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, [I have given] every green herb for food: and it was so.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the heavens, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, [I have given] every green herb for food: and it was so.
Genesis 1:30 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
30and to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the heavens, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, [I have given] every green herb for food: and it was so.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And to every beast of the earth, etc.] Wild or tame, the cattle on a thousand hills; God took care and provided for these, being all his creatures, and designed to answer some end or other by their creation: and to every fowl of the air; that flies in it; and to every creeping thing upon the earth; even the meanest and lowest insect: wherein there is life; or “a living soul”; that has an animal life, which is to be supported by food: [I have given] every green herb for meat; the leaves for some, and seed for others; and here is no mention made of flesh; and perhaps those creatures which are now carnivorous were not so at their first creation: and it was so; every creature, both man and…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- VIII. The Sixth Day 24. בהמה behēmâh, “cattle; dumb, tame beasts.” רמשׂ remeś, “creeping (small or low) animals.” חוּה chayâh, “living thing; animal.” חוּת־חארץ chayatô-chā'ārets, “wild beast.” 26. אדם 'ādām, “man, mankind;” “be red.” A collective noun, having no plural number, and therefore denoting either an individual of the kind, or the kind or race itself. It is connected in etymology with אדמה 'ădāmâh, “the red soil,” from which the human body was formed Genesis 2:7. It therefore marks the earthly aspect of man. צלם tselem, “shade, image,” in visible outline. דמוּת demût, “likeness,” in any quality. רדה rādâh “tread, rule.” This day corresponds with the third. In both…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Gen 9:3; Job 38:39-41, Job 39:4, Job 39:8, Job 39:30, Job 40:15, Job 40:20; Psa 104:14, Psa 145:15, Psa 145:16, Psa 147:9 life: Heb. a living soul Genesis 1:31”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification