Creation — Bible story for kids

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth had no shape. It was empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. Yet God was there. His Spirit hovered over the waters. Then God spoke his first bright words: “Let there be light.” At once, light shone through the darkness. God saw that the light was good. He called the light Day and the darkness Night. That was the first day.

On the second day, God made the wide sky. He divided the waters below from the waters above. The blue sky spread over the deep sea, just as God commanded.

On the third day, God gathered the waters together. Dry land appeared, and God called it Earth. He called the gathered waters Seas. Then God told the land to grow plants. Green grass, leafy trees, and plants bearing seeds and fruit sprang from the ground. God saw that it was good.

On the fourth day, God placed lights in the sky. The bright sun ruled the day. The moon shone at night. Stars sparkled across the darkness. These lights marked days, seasons, and years. God saw that they were good.

On the fifth day, God filled the waters with living creatures. Great sea animals and darting fish swam through the seas. Birds lifted their wings and flew across the sky. God blessed them and told them to fill the seas and the air.

On the sixth day, God made the animals that live on land. Livestock, wild animals, and small creatures moved across the earth. Each was made according to its kind. God looked at them and saw that they were good.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image.” God formed Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him. Adam became a living person. God also made Eve from Adam’s side and brought her to him. Adam and Eve stood together in the garden. They were the first people, both made in God’s image.

God blessed Adam and Eve. He told them to have children, fill the earth, and rule over its living creatures. God gave them plants and fruit for food. People were special in God’s creation. They could know God and care for the world he had made.

God looked at everything he had created—the light, sky, land, seas, plants, shining lights, animals, and people. It was not only good. It was very good. The heavens and the earth were complete.

On the seventh day, God’s work of creation was finished, so he rested. God blessed the seventh day and made it holy. The whole world followed the beautiful rhythm God had given it: time for work and time for rest.