Genesis 1:31 - Divine perfection in creation's completion

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Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים אֶת־כָּל־אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה וְהִנֵּה־טוֹב מְאֹד וַיְהִי־עֶרֶב וַיְהִי־בֹקֶר יוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי׃

English Translation

And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Transliteration

Va'yar Elohim et kol asher asa ve'hine tov me'od va'yehi erev va'yehi voker yom hashishi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֤רְא אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת־כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֔ה וְהִנֵּה־ט֖וֹב מְאֹ֑ד וַֽיְהִי־עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי־בֹ֖קֶר י֥וֹם הַשִּׁשִּֽׁי׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

The Meaning of "Very Good" (טוֹב מְאֹד)

Rashi (Bereshit 1:31) explains that the phrase "very good" refers to the inclusion of death in creation. Though death may seem negative, it serves a divine purpose in the grand design of the world. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 9:5) expands on this, stating that "very good" alludes to the yetzer hara (evil inclination), for without it, mankind would not build homes, marry, or engage in commerce—essential aspects of human civilization.

The Completion of Creation on the Sixth Day

The Ramban (Nachmanides on Bereshit 1:31) notes that the phrase "the sixth day" (יוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי) includes the definite article "הַ" (the), unlike the previous days. This suggests a special significance—hinting at the sixth day of Sivan, when the Torah would later be given at Har Sinai. The Sforno adds that the completeness of creation was only fully realized when humanity accepted the Torah, fulfilling its divine purpose.

The Dual Nature of Evening and Morning

The Talmud (Chagigah 12a) teaches that the sequence of "evening and morning" symbolizes the cyclical nature of divine judgment (evening) and mercy (morning). The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) explains that this duality reflects the balance of strict justice and compassion in Hashem's governance of the world, culminating in the harmony of creation declared "very good."

The Significance of the Sixth Day

Completion of Physical Creation: The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) emphasizes that the sixth day marks the completion of the physical world, with Adam HaRishon as its pinnacle.
Preparation for Shabbat: The Midrash Tanchuma (Bereishit 11) teaches that the sixth day was uniquely blessed because it led directly to Shabbat, the day of spiritual elevation.
Human Responsibility: The Or HaChaim (R' Chaim ibn Attar) notes that "very good" implies humanity's role as stewards of creation, tasked with perfecting the world under Hashem's sovereignty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'it was very good' mean in Genesis 1:31?
A: Rashi explains that 'very good' refers to the inclusion of death in creation, which may seem negative but ultimately serves a divine purpose. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 9:5) teaches that 'very good' refers to the yetzer hara (human inclination), because even our challenges and struggles can lead to greatness when used properly.

Q: Why does the verse mention 'the sixth day' specifically?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 12a) notes that the extra 'hey' in 'hashishi' (the sixth) alludes to the special nature of the sixth day when Adam was created. Ramban explains that this emphasizes the completion and perfection of creation, as humanity was the final and most significant creation.

Q: How does 'God saw it was very good' apply to us today?
A: The Sforno teaches that this verse reminds us to recognize the inherent goodness in all of Hashem's creations, even when we don't understand it. In our daily lives, this teaches us to have faith in divine wisdom and find value in all aspects of creation.

Q: What is the significance of repeating 'evening and morning' for each day?
A: Rashi explains that the Torah specifies 'evening and morning' to define what constitutes a full day in Jewish law - night precedes day (starting at sunset). The Rambam (Hilchot Kiddush HaChodesh) uses this as the basis for our calendar system where days begin at nightfall.

Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This concluding verse of creation establishes fundamental Jewish beliefs: 1) Hashem actively oversees creation (Malbim), 2) The world was created with purpose and is fundamentally good (Ramchal), and 3) The six-day creation narrative forms the basis for Shabbat observance (Exodus 20:11).