Genesis 1:31 declares:
“Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”
When God pronounced His creation “very good,” it signified that everything was exactly as He intended, it was complete, flawless, and in perfect harmony with His purpose. There was no sin, corruption, or disorder. Every part of creation functioned as designed, reflecting God’s wisdom and goodness.
The phrase speaks of moral purity and total well-being. The world was free from pain, death, and conflict. Humanity, made in God’s image, lived in innocence and fellowship with Him, exercising rightful dominion over the earth. This perfect state also revealed God’s character: His power, beauty, and goodness were displayed in what He made. Psalm 145:9 echoes this truth:
“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.”
This declaration also highlights the stark contrast with what followed after sin entered in Genesis 3. The world that was once whole and good became marked by suffering and decay. Yet God’s original design was untouched by evil, proving that sin came through man’s disobedience, not from the Creator.
Finally, the phrase points forward to redemption. Through Christ, God promises to restore creation to its original glory. Revelation 21:5 assures:
“Behold, I make all things new.”
God’s statement that creation was “very good” reminds us of His perfect design, the tragedy of the fall, and the hope of renewal in Christ.