Genesis 1:12 - Divine order in nature's bounty

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וַתּוֹצֵא הָאָרֶץ דֶּשֶׁא עֵשֶׂב מַזְרִיעַ זֶרַע לְמִינֵהוּ וְעֵץ עֹשֶׂה־פְּרִי אֲשֶׁר זַרְעוֹ־בוֹ לְמִינֵהוּ וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים כִּי־טוֹב׃

English Translation

And the earth brought forth grass, herb yielding seed after its kind, and tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after its kind: and God saw that it was good.

Transliteration

Vatotze ha'aretz deshe esev mazria zera leminehu ve'etz oseh-pri asher zar'o-bo leminehu vayar Elohim ki-tov.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתּוֹצֵ֨א הָאָ֜רֶץ דֶּ֠שֶׁא עֵ֣שֶׂב מַזְרִ֤יעַ זֶ֙רַע֙ לְמִינֵ֔הוּ וְעֵ֧ץ עֹֽשֶׂה־פְּרִ֛י אֲשֶׁ֥ר זַרְעוֹ־ב֖וֹ לְמִינֵ֑הוּ וַיַּ֥רְא אֱלֹהִ֖ים כִּי־טֽוֹב׃

Parasha Commentary

The Earth's Productive Power

The verse describes the earth's divinely ordained ability to produce vegetation. Rashi (Bereshit 1:12) emphasizes that this was not a gradual process, but rather an immediate fulfillment of Hashem's command - the earth brought forth fully grown plants, grasses, and trees in their complete state, ready to produce seeds according to their kinds.

The Significance of "L'minéhu" (According to Its Kind)

The repetition of "l'minéhu" (according to its kind) teaches us about the fixed nature of creation. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:6) explains this as demonstrating the unchanging laws of nature established by Hashem. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 5:9) notes that even when species appear similar, each maintains its distinct characteristics as ordained during creation.

The Distinction Between Grasses and Trees

Deshe (Grass): Represents herbaceous plants that complete their lifecycle quickly (Ibn Ezra on Bereshit 1:11).
Etz (Tree): Represents perennial plants with woody stems that produce fruit containing their seeds (Sforno on Bereshit 1:11).

"Vayar Elokim Ki Tov" (And God Saw That It Was Good)

The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 1:12) explains that this declaration refers to the perfect balance in nature where each species reproduces according to its kind without intermixing. The Talmud (Chullin 60a) derives from this that Hashem created the vegetation with the capacity for continuous reproduction, ensuring the world's ongoing sustenance.

The Miracle Within Nature

The Seforno highlights that the phrase "whose seed was in itself" teaches that Hashem embedded the miraculous power of reproduction within the natural order. This demonstrates that what we perceive as "nature" is actually constant divine providence maintaining creation (Meshech Chochmah on Bereshit 1:11).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 1:12 mean when it says plants were created 'after its kind'?
A: The phrase 'after its kind' (לְמִינֵהוּ) teaches that every plant species was created with its own unique characteristics and cannot naturally transform into another kind. This principle is foundational in Jewish thought, emphasizing the Divine order in creation. Rashi explains that this shows each species remains true to its original form as created by Hashem.

Q: Why does the verse say 'God saw that it was good' about the plants?
A: When the Torah states 'God saw that it was good,' it indicates that the vegetation fulfilled its purpose perfectly in creation. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains that plants were created to benefit all living creatures, and their orderly growth according to Hashem's plan made them 'good.' This teaches us to recognize the wisdom in nature's design.

Q: What is the significance of trees bearing fruit with seeds 'in itself'?
A: The phrase 'whose seed was in itself' highlights the miracle of reproduction embedded within creation. Rambam (Guide for the Perplexed) notes this demonstrates Hashem's wisdom in designing self-sustaining systems. The Sforno adds that this foreshadows how all creation contains the means for its own continuity, reflecting Divine providence.

Q: How does Genesis 1:12 relate to the laws of kilayim (forbidden plant mixtures)?
A: The emphasis on plants reproducing 'after its kind' forms the basis for the Torah's prohibition of kilayim (mixing species, Vayikra 19:19). The Talmud (Kiddushin 39a) derives from this verse that we must respect the boundaries Hashem established in nature. This applies today in laws like not grafting different fruit trees together.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the earth 'bringing forth' vegetation?
A: The phrase 'the earth brought forth' teaches that nature operates according to Hashem's command. The Malbim explains this shows that while the earth is the immediate cause of growth, the ultimate source is Divine will. This reminds us to see Hashem's hand in natural processes and appreciate our food as a gift from Above.