Definition: And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which [were] under the firmament from the waters which [were] above the firmament: and it was so.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse – Genesis 1:7 – in a way that's easy to understand. It’s a really important passage about how God created the world. Here’s what it means, explained simply: “And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which under the firmament were from the waters which above the firmament.” Let’s unpack that piece by piece: "And God made..." – This is a straightforward statement of what God did. "...the firmament..." - The “firmament” isn't a literal dome like a bowl, but it refers to a large, cloudy expanse in the sky above Earth. Think of it as a kind of barrier or covering that separates the earth from the sky. It’s important to note this is a concept rather than a physical object. "...and divided..." – God wasn't just creating the firmament; he was also separating things within it. "...the waters which under the firmament were from the waters which above the firmament." - This is the really significant part! God created different parts of the water. “Under the firmament…” – This refers to the area below the firmament, meaning the lower part of the sky. “Above the firmament…” – This refers to the area above the firmament, meaning the upper part of the sky. So, what's happening? God created different kinds of water—one below and one above—and then separated them. This is often interpreted as a way for God to establish order and different levels in the earth. The bigger picture: This verse sets the stage for all the subsequent creation stories in Genesis. It’s a foundational part of understanding how God brought the world into being, establishing boundaries and creating distinct elements within it. --- Important Note: This is a complex verse, and different interpretations exist among theologians and biblical scholars. There's still debate about precisely what “firmament” means and what the purpose of this division was. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain a particular aspect of the verse in more detail? Compare it to other biblical passages?