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Genesis 1:7 says, “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” (NKJV). This verse is part of the creation account and the second day of creation. The term translated “firmament” (Hebrew raqia) refers to an expanse or sky, something stretched out, and is often translated as “expanse” or “vault” in modern Bible versions. According to Genesis 1:8, “God called the firmament Heaven” (NKJV), indicating that it refers to the sky or the heavens above the earth.
The waters “under the firmament” are easy to understand. These refer to the waters on the earth—oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, and subterranean water sources. These are the waters that we see and interact with on the earth’s surface. Later, in Genesis 1:9–10, God gathers these waters into one place, allowing dry land to appear, which He calls Earth and Seas. This shows that the waters under the firmament are the terrestrial waters that are part of the earth’s physical geography.
The waters “above the firmament” have been the subject of more debate. One interpretation is that these waters refer to a vapor canopy or a layer of water that once surrounded the earth’s atmosphere. This idea suggests that, before the global flood described in Genesis 6—9, the earth may have been enveloped in a protective layer of water vapor, which could have contributed to a greenhouse-like environment. This canopy theory is speculative but has been proposed by some creation scientists to help explain the long lifespans before the flood and the global deluge itself (Genesis 7:11–12).
Another interpretation is that the waters “above” are simply the clouds and atmospheric moisture. This view aligns with our current understanding of the water cycle, where water exists in the atmosphere in the form of vapor and clouds. Psalm 148:4 supports this idea: “Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!” (ESV). This poetic language suggests that even the atmospheric waters are part of God’s creation and under His command.
Regardless of the specific nature of the waters “above,” the key theological point is that God is sovereign over all creation. He brought order by separating and assigning boundaries to the elements of the universe. Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (ESV). The firmament, or sky, is a visible testimony to God’s creative power and design.
In summary, the “waters under the firmament” are the earthly bodies of water, while the “waters above the firmament” could refer either to a now-absent water canopy or to the atmospheric waters such as clouds. Water, in whatever place it is found, is part of God’s ordered creation, demonstrating His authority and wisdom in forming a world that sustains life and reflects His glory.
