Genesis 1:31
“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. ”
KJV
Read in Genesis 1Meaning
The chapter's final verdict encompasses the whole created order. The completed world, with its distinctions, living creatures, and humanity, is called very good.
Read carefully
The declaration belongs to the world as portrayed at creation's completion. Later Genesis chapters introduce human rebellion and disorder, so 'very good' should not be used to deny the narrative's subsequent account of brokenness.
Reflection
Genesis begins with a positive vision of material creation. Any theology of the world should reckon with this foundational affirmation before speaking about the corruption and suffering that appear later.